Challenges in the Medical Drug Supply Chain: A Focus on Procurement, Inventory management and Transport/distribution of Anaesthetic Drugs at the Bamenda Regional Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64294/jsd.v4i1.247Keywords:
Anaesthetic drugs, supply chain, inventory management, Cameroon, socio-economic crisisAbstract
Background: Effective supply chain management is critical for ensuring the availability of anaesthetic drugs, which are essential for surgical procedures and patient safety. In resource-constrained settings like in Cameroon’s Northwest Region, systemic challenges compounded by socio-economic instability, may compromise drug availability and quality. This study aimed to identify and analyse challenges in the anaesthetic drug supply chain, focusing on procurement, inventory management, transport, and distribution, and to propose context-adapted recommendations for improving efficiency and reliability.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to March 2024 at Bamenda Regional Hospital (BRH) and the Northwest Regional Fund for Health Promotion. Participants included healthcare and logistics personnel involved in the anaesthetic drug supply chain. Data were collected via inventory records and a structured 19-item questionnaire assessing procurement, inventory management and transport conditions/distribution processes. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26.
Results: Of 18 personnel included, 55.6% reported poorly managed ordering, and 33.3% cited absent emergency resupply points affecting procurement. On inventory, 50.0% reported difficulties maintaining stock levels, 100.0% noted inefficient inventory software, and 22.2% reported infrequent monitoring. On transportation/distribution, 88.9% reported inadequate temperature control, 27.8% noted compromised drugs, and 55.6% cited inadequate storage causing wastage.
Conclusion: This descriptive study identified inefficiencies in procurement, inventory management, transport/distribution that were reported by staff at BRH. Recommendations include implementing real-time inventory software, enhancing staff training, upgrading storage facilities, and adopting temperature-controlled transport in resource-limited settings.
