Identification of factors leading to unfit medical products and other health commodities, disposal management and related perceived consequences to health supply chain in Rwanda: Case of Rwanda Medical Supply Ltd and Medical & Allied Service Solutions Ltd

Abstract

Introduction: Unfit medical products, especially poor quality / damaged / expired / and phased out (no longer accepted for use) are among health challenges that need careful attention and adequate management in developing countries health supply chains, including Rwanda. Not only does medical wastage affect the public health in general, but also it affects financial capabilities. Actually, according to the Management Science for Health (MSH), countries on standard spend around 26% of their total medical facilities on drugs, and a significant part of the funds expended on critical drugs is wasted.

Aim: the aim of this study is to identify the factors leading to unfit medical products and related perceived consequences to the supply chain management in Rwanda.

Methods: The mixed method research design was used. Data were collected from key informant interviews, and cross-sectional study and quantitative research design were used to identify the most commonly found unfit medical products at Rwanda Medical Supply Ltd (RMS) and MEDIASOL Ltd and their management, then the shared data were transcribed and translated by the researchers. Main ideas from each key informants were merged under each theme and sub themes by reading and then rereading to identify common words, phrases and perceptions that were coded. Quantitative data were coded and analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: The study found that the most common unfit medico-pharmaceuticals are the laboratory commodities, malaria commodities and program products including quinine, and Haloperidol retard 50mg/ml injection and Insulin combinations, the study indicated that the Lack of local manufacturers of pharmaceutical products according to market needs; Change of medical products protocols; Minimum shelf life not specified while ordering the products; and Lack of accurate data to facilitate quantification were highlighted by the respondents as the main factors leading to unfit medicinal products. And the study found that the total unfit products were 3% of the average annual loss in unfit medicinal products compared to the total stock.

The study recommended that further research should be done on this topic especially by exploring