Knowledge and practice of supply chain management of pharmaceuticals by health professionals in four states of south-south, Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of logistics and supply chain management cannot be overemphasized for optimal management of pharmaceuticals and other health commodities. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain management activities and evaluate the forecasting, procurement and inventory management practices of health professionals in four states of South-South region of Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out from February to July 2015 among 150 respondents working in registered practice settings (Hospitals and Community Pharmacies) in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States of Nigeria. Data collection tool was a pretested questionnaire to assess respondents’ knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain activities and forecasting, procurement and inventory management practices. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The respondents had a good knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain activities.  Information used for forecasting included stock on hand, dispensed to user data, issue data and disease prevalence. Procurement practices included tender, local purchase order and medical representatives. Inventory management practices included use of stock card, ledger and computer. The knowledge of respondents to pharmaceutical supply chain activities was good. Several forecasting and procurement and inventory management practices were employed.  Observed knowledge deficit and poorly computerized inventory control system is a major drawback which need improvement for satisfactory monitoring.