E-DRUG: Bhutan Drugs Supply Chain Management Challenges (2)
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Dear Rai and other colleagues,
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can enable efficient
integration of information across the health system and matching of
resources to activity levels through relevant up-to-date information.
In Tanzania the Ministry of Health through its Medical Stores
Department (MSD), where I work has computerized its core processes
including support services since 2002-visit our website www.msd.or.tz.
The integrated system is distributed zonalwise with its connected zonal
distribution points servicing over 39 million people throughout the
country.
MSD direct operations are limited to district level after which the
Local Government Authorities takes ownership of the deliveries and
associated information handling. This is one of key handicaps in the
supply pipe since the impeded information flow to and from the primary
healthcare facilities which are the primary end users of MSD services
leads into poor quality input data for the important demand forecasting
process that impact the supply chain process (incorrect demand forecast
leads into excesses or stockouts).
While we still have challenges in some arreas including partial
integration with drug suppliers, pilferage, manually keyed in supplies
receipts (planning for barcode scanning), orders and supplies picking
for distribution as well as connectivity challenges in some remote
areas, the sysytem generally seems to be working very well and is a
model in the Eastern African region.
With challenges of counterfeit drugs in the market, a drug testing
facility is a very important component in the process and you need to
convince authorities to consider it a priority. You may also opt for
outsourcing the service from reputable providers based on the
cost-benefit analysis of buying vs contracting.
As healthcare services managers, we have to be prepared to deal with
evolving integrated health care delivery systems and technological
innovations in order to improve efficiency. Affordable systems
consistent with our environment settings are available both
off-the-shelf and custom made but performance requires good planning,
management and patience.
Good luck,
Bakari
c/- e-drug@healthnet.org
bakari@email.unc.edu