<p>Availability of Tracer Drugs and Implementation of Their Logistic Management Information System in Public Health Facilities of Dessie, North-East Ethiopia</p>

Abstract

Background: Tracer drugs are the representative of essential medicines and satisfy the priority healthcare needs of the population. Managing tracer drugs through logistics management information systems is a strategy to enhance their smooth flow for continuous provision of quality health service. This study assessed the availability of tracer drugs and implementation of their logistic management information system in public health facilities of Dessie, NorthEast Ethiopia. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted from September 15-30, 2017, in all public health facilities of Dessie. The data were collected by reviewing tracer drugs logistic formats and conducting physical inventory. Key informant interview was employed to all pharmacy heads and store managers. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social science version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Twelve tracer drugs were managed by health facilities. The overall mean availability, mean duration, and average frequency of stock out of tracer drugs (last 6 months) were 74.7%, 48.8 days, and 1.43, respectively. In eight health facilities, logistic records were available, but all health facilities did not use stock cards. Also, 3 out of 9 used the health commodity management information system. On average, 77.8% of the tracer drugs had bin cards, of which, 86% were updated. The discrepancy between physical count and stock keeping records was ranged from 0% to 100%. The causes of stock out were inadequate supply, lack of recording forms, and their inconsistent use. Conclusion and Recommendations: The availability of tracer drugs was less than the recommended percent, and inadequate supply, poor availability and use of recording forms were the reasons for stock out. Thus, health facility managers and pharmacy heads should work in harmony to ensure uninterrupted supply and implement a logistic management information system.

Implementing essential diagnostics-learning from essential medicines: A scoping review

“…Similar and other related barriers were also cited in the EML implementation. The main barriers unique to the EML included inefficient procurement processes 34, 47, 49, 63, 65, 69, 70, 82, 157 , poor stock management practices 39, 49, 50, 53, 94, 105, 107, 140, 158, 159 , and inefficient distribution systems 40, 49, 75, 94, 111, 131, 146, 160, 161 .…”

“…Similar barriers were identified in the implementation of EML 43, 49, 65, 173 . Other barriers unique to the EML included poor information management practices 50, 110, 111, 122, 125, 137, 142 consisting of poor record- keeping, lack of standardized treatment protocols in health facilities, lack of reporting procedures and structured ordering systems 107, 131, 146, 176 , and inadequate capacity to support information systems 70, 105, 138 .…”

“…Other EDL barriers referenced lack of proper equipment and supplies described as low availability of key consumables for laboratory diagnosis, limited items of the major laboratory equipment's 6,96 , and inadequate infrastructure and space 96 to facilitate laboratory and diagnostics services. Similarly, in the EML implementation, the most prominent themes within this barrier were low availability and unavailability of essential medicines 38,40,46,51,82,89,[104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112] .…”

“…The main clinical supervision-related barriers to the EML implementation cited include lack of supportive supervision 51,63,68,73,77,111,153,156,159 and inadequate health worker supervision 65,130 to support the implementation of EML.…”

Health professionals’ perception of pharmaceuticals procurement performance in public health facilities in Southwestern Ethiopia

“…Hence, to avoid service interruptions, the health facilities may purchase the required pharmaceuticals from private wholesales after receiving a letter attesting to the stock out of the products at the agency hubs [16]. Studies show that the majority of public health facilities in Ethiopia face a frequent shortage of medicines [17][18][19][20][21] and the percentage availability does not exceed 80% [22]. This is contrary to the aim of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which promotes "access to safe, effective, high quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all" as a core element of Universal Health Coverage [23].…”