All of these items negatively impact the income statement, and are costs like any other. Inventory increases working capital and depresses cash flow (i.e., it absorbs money). The stock market focuses heavily on cash and for good reason. It tells the other side of the story and indicates how well the healthcare firm is managing its overall financial health.
When it comes to managing inventory, establish multiple ways to reduce it as far as you can without jeopardizing service to your customers.