Understanding Implementers' Perceptions on the Prime Vendor System: A Case Study of Tanzania Mainland

Abstract

Introduction: Access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines for all is a central component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). However, the availability of quality medicines in low and middle-income countries is often limited, especially in peripheral health facilities. MSD, as the sole supplier of drugs and medical supplies to all public health facilities, has been facing difficulties that hinder its efficiency in supplying 100% of all facility’s needs. Despite significant reforms, including introducing the Prime Vendor System in 2018, challenges persist, leading to regional disparities in commodity availability at the facility level. Successfully establishing an intervention based on PPPs within the public sector in the health commodities supply chain system mostly requires high acceptability by the Government, implementers, and beneficiaries. Furthermore, the effectiveness of any activity is primarily influenced by the participants' attitudes. While most studies have extensively researched the effectiveness of the prime vendor system in bridging the supply chain gap, none have researched implementers' perceptions of the prime vendor system in complementing health commodities. This study seeks to understand the Implementer's perceptions of the prime vendor system implementation.

Materials and Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study. Data was collected from June to September 2023 using the ODK application from 356 respondents from Dodoma, Morogoro, Mtwara, and Mwanza in Tanzania. The data was analysed using SAS version 9.4. Statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence level.

Results: 77.84% of study participants strongly agreed that involving the private sector in health commodities supply chain management is the best approach to solving supply chain problems. Additionally, 81.53% of all study participants believe that the Prime Vendor System has contributed positively to the improved availability of health commodities at the facility level.

Conclusion: Perceptions regarding the prime vendor system vary across different areas, including its impact on the overall availability of health commodities, streamlining of procurement processes, and the role of the private sector in addressing supply chain challenges within the country. Notably, the level of experience in the workplace emerges as a considerable influence on respondents' perceptions regarding the Prime Vendor System and its implementation nationwide.