Understanding Knowledge Levels and Influencing Factors among Implementers of the Prime Vendor System: A Case Study of Tanzania Mainland

Abstract

Background: The United Republic of Tanzania's government has implemented various significant health commodities supply chain management reforms, including introducing and national rollout of the Prime Vendor System in October 2018. This initiative aimed to address and complement the 40% health commodities supply chain gap observed at the Medical Stores Department (HRSC-2017). Over the five years since its implementation, the Prime Vendor System has shown high acceptability by the Government, implementers, and the beneficiaries of the intervention; it resulted in increased availability of health commodities at health facilities, improved order fulfilment rates, and timely delivery of commodities, it made contributions to Tanzania's public health sector. However, despite the Government's strong commitment to the health sector, administrative reports indicate regional disparities in the Prime Vendor System bridging the health commodities supply chain gap.

Little has been done to explore the knowledge level and influencing factors among Prime Vendor System implementers in addressing health commodities supply chain challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the level of knowledge and its influencing factors among implementers regarding the Prime Vendor System Implementation in Tanzania Mainland.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2023, collecting data via the ODK application from 356 respondents across the Dodoma, Morogoro, Mtwara, and Mwanza regions. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4, with significance set at a 95% confidence level.

Results: All respondents (100%) were aware of the Prime Vendor System, with only 30.9% receiving formal orientation training. Most respondents (78.93%) reported having no prime vendor contracts in their health facilities yet recognized and acknowledged the PVS as complementary to the Medical Stores Department (MSD). However, only 60.76% knew of changes made since the PVS's introduction. Factors such as age and position within the healthcare organization influenced PVS knowledge.

Conclusion: Respondents have a high level of knowledge and awareness of the prime vendor system's basic structure and transitional phases. However, there is a need for more sensitization and training in prime vendor contracts and continuous refresher training of the prime vendor system, especially for lower-level health facilities.