Pharmaceuticals Inventory Management Practices, Challenges and Performance of Public Health Facilities in Mekelle Zone, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia
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Date
2023-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Effective inventory management is essential for enhancing the quality of
healthcare services in the pharmaceutical supply system. Conversely, poor inventory
management can result in wastage of financial resources, shortages or overage of essential
medicines, and ultimately, a reduction in healthcare service quality.
Objective: To assess the pharmaceuticals inventory management performances of Public Health
Facilities (PHF) located in Mekelle zone, Tigray regional state northern part of Ethiopia.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 PHF of Mekelle zone from February 01 to
March 30, 2021. Qualitative data for selected indicators of inventory management
performancewas collected using semi-structured questionnaire customized from
USAID|DELIVER’s deliver logistic indicators assessment tool and logistics system assessment
tool (LIAT and LSAT). Interview data was collected using key informant interview. Descriptive
statistics were used to analyze the data, and the collected key informant interview data was
analyzed manually.
Results: A set of standard indicators measured inventory management performance of PHF.
Logistic forms and reporting formats had 60% implementation status. Of the 40 selected EMs
and tracer medicines, 16.75% were stocked at Min-Max level, 28.13% were overstocked, and
33.3% were understocked. Nearly half of EMs and tracers were stock out at the day of visit,
30.73% were stock out in past 6 months, with average stock out days of 54.38. Wastage rate in
15 PHFs was 2.69%. 7 (46.67%) of facilities complied with good storage practices. Lead time
for resupply of the study PHF from EPSS varied from weekly to a month. This study also
explored the challengesof pharmaceutical inventory practice. Some of these include: high
turnover of skilled pharmacy professional, absence of standardized warehouse facilities, poor
coordination among stakeholders in the supply system, budget constraints, lack of a strong
monitoring and evaluation system, and poor motivation and commitment among facility
managers and pharmacy staff.
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Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that logistic forms and reporting formats were
not fully available, updated and accurate in the study PHF. Furthermore, a significant proportion
of essential medicines and tracer medicines were stock out, with longer durations of stock out
days in the six months period. Additionally, majority of study PHF did not meet the requirements
for proper storage conditions. In conclusion, the study highlights inadequate inventory
management practices among the studied PHF.
Recommendation:Health facilities in Tigray region are recommended to implement and utilize
the electronic stock management tool (HCMIS) in a more efficient manner to enhance
transparency and information sharing, minimize wastage, reinforce stock recording practices,
increase pharmaceutical availability, and elevate the quality of healthcare services
Description
Keywords
Inventory management, Performance, PHF, Mekelle.