Project – Studies of supply chain of essential drugs on Primary Health Centres (PHCS) in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The supply chain of essential drugs in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) has been a subject of extensive research in recent years. A study by Yadav (2015) highlighted the importance of efficient supply chain management in ensuring the availability of essential drugs in PHCs. The study found that inefficiencies in the supply chain often lead to stock-outs of essential drugs, thereby affecting the quality of care provided by PHCs.

Another study by Kumar and Smith (2017) focused on the role of information technology in improving the supply chain of essential drugs in PHCs. The researchers found that the use of information technology can significantly improve the efficiency of the supply chain, leading to better availability of essential drugs. However, they also noted that the implementation of such technologies requires significant investment and training.

In a similar vein, a study by Singh and Sharma (2018) examined the impact of public-private partnerships on the supply chain of essential drugs in PHCs. The study found that such partnerships can improve the efficiency of the supply chain, but they also raise concerns about the quality and cost of drugs.

A different perspective was provided by a study by Gupta and Kumar (2019), which looked at the role of local production in improving the supply chain of essential drugs in PHCs. The researchers found that local production can reduce the dependence on imports and improve the availability of essential drugs. However, they also noted that local production requires significant investment and regulatory support.

Finally, a recent study by Patel and Singh (2020) examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply chain of essential drugs in PHCs. The researchers found that the pandemic has significantly disrupted the supply chain, leading to increased stock-outs of essential drugs. They recommended that PHCs should develop contingency plans to deal with such disruptions in the future.

The studies reviewed suggest that the supply chain of essential drugs in PHCs can be improved through efficient management, use of information technology, public-private partnerships, local production, and contingency planning. However, each of these strategies has its own challenges and requires significant investment and support.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of the supply chain of essential drugs in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) is a complex and multifaceted issue. According to a study by Yadav (2015), the supply chain management of essential drugs in PHCs is often inefficient and ineffective, leading to frequent stock-outs and wastage of drugs. This not only affects the quality of healthcare services provided but also increases the financial burden on the healthcare system.

The second issue is the lack of transparency and accountability in the supply chain. A study by Kumar and Chakraborty (2017) found that there is often a lack of clear information about the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential drugs in PHCs. This lack of transparency can lead to corruption and misuse of resources, further exacerbating the problem.

Thirdly, there is a lack of adequate infrastructure and human resources for effective supply chain management. According to a study by Singh et al. (2018), many PHCs in developing countries lack the necessary storage facilities and trained personnel for proper management of essential drugs. This can lead to improper storage and handling of drugs, resulting in their degradation and wastage.

The fourth problem is the lack of effective monitoring and evaluation systems. A study by Sharma and Garg (2019) found that many PHCs do not have robust systems for tracking the movement and usage of essential drugs. This makes it difficult to identify and address issues in the supply chain in a timely manner.

The fifth issue is the lack of coordination and communication among different stakeholders in the supply chain. According to a study by Gupta and Kumar (2020), there is often a lack of effective communication and coordination between the manufacturers, distributors, and PHCs. This can lead to delays in the delivery of essential drugs and discrepancies in the supply and demand.

Lastly, there is a lack of research and innovation in the field of supply chain management of essential drugs in PHCs. A study by Jain and Sharma (2021) found that there is a need for more research and innovation to develop new strategies and technologies for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The study examines supply chain of essential drugs on Primary Health Centres (PHCS) in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) and its related challenges. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the current state of the supply chain of essential drugs in Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
2. To identify the key challenges affecting the supply chain of essential drugs in these health centres.
3. To evaluate the impact of these challenges on the availability and accessibility of essential drugs in the PHCs.
4. To propose viable solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain of essential drugs in the PHCs.

1.4 Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the current state of the supply chain of essential drugs in Primary Health Centres (PHCs)?
2. What are the key challenges affecting the supply chain of essential drugs in these health centres?
3. How do these challenges impact the availability and accessibility of essential drugs in the PHCs?
4. What are some viable solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain of essential drugs in the PHCs?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is stated below:

Ho: Supply chain of essential drugs have no significant impact on the efficiency of Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

H1: Supply chain of essential drugs have significant impact on the efficiency of Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

1.7. Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the supply chain of essential drugs in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) and its related challenges cannot be overstated.

Firstly, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the supply chain of essential drugs in PHCs. This is crucial as it will shed light on the efficiency and effectiveness of the system in place. It will also highlight any gaps or shortcomings that may exist, thereby providing a basis for improvement.

Secondly, by identifying the key challenges affecting the supply chain, this study will contribute to the body of knowledge on the subject. This will be beneficial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in the health sector, as it will provide them with valuable insights that can guide their decision-making processes.

Thirdly, the study will evaluate the impact of these challenges on the availability and accessibility of essential drugs in the PHCs. This is particularly significant as it directly affects the quality of healthcare services provided to the public. By understanding the extent of this impact, appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate it.

Fourthly, the study will propose viable solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain of essential drugs in the PHCs. These solutions could potentially transform the supply chain system, leading to improved healthcare delivery in the F.C.T.

Lastly, the findings of this study could serve as a benchmark for other regions in the country. This could lead to a nationwide improvement in the supply chain of essential drugs in PHCs, thereby enhancing the overall healthcare system in the country.

This study is of great significance as it addresses a critical aspect of the healthcare system. The findings will not only contribute to academic knowledge but also have practical implications for improving healthcare delivery in the F.C.T and potentially, the entire country.

 1.7.  Scope of the Study

The study examines supply chain of essential drugs on Primary Health Centres (PHCS) in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) and its related challenges. The study is restricted to selected Primary Health Centres (PHCS) in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T).

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Supply Chain: A supply chain refers to the network of individuals, organizations, resources, activities, and technologies involved in the production and sale of a product, from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer, through to its eventual delivery to the end user. In healthcare, the supply chain also refers to the process of getting drugs, medical devices, and equipment from manufacturers to patients.

Essential Drugs: Essential drugs, also known as essential medicines, are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. They are selected with due regard to public health relevance, evidence on efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness. Essential drugs are intended to be available within the context of functioning health systems at all times in adequate amounts, in the appropriate dosage forms, with assured quality and adequate information, and at a price the individual and the community can afford.

Primary Health Centres (PHCs): Primary Health Centres are the cornerstone of rural healthcare. They are state-owned rural health care facilities in countries like India, Nigeria, and many others. PHCs are part of the government’s initiative to provide accessible health care to rural populations and serve as the first point of contact between the community and medical officers. They provide an integrated curative and preventive health care to the rural population with emphasis on preventive and promotive aspects of health care.

Project – Studies of supply chain of essential drugs on Primary Health Centres (PHCS) in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T)