Assessment of Laboratory Commodities Supply Chain Management in Kigali Public Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Laboratory services are critical to the nation's healthcare system and to the provision of high-quality medical services. However, managing the supply chain operations that support laboratory services is a significant challenge. When diseases are misdiagnosed, valuable medicines are spent on ineffective treatments. The overall situation of the laboratory commodities supply chain in Rwanda and in Kigali has not been identified

Purpose: To assess the supply chain management of laboratory commodities in all public hospitals in Kigali City, Rwanda”. Methods: This study applied a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive design and was supplemented by qualitative data collection in May 2022. The study uses a questionnaire composed of close-ended questions, a checklist to assess storage practices, and interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and the analysis of qualitative data applied an inductive content analysis approach.

Results: Among selected products only 15 (37.50%) items were available at the time of visits for all Hospitals. The results showed also that 28 (70.00%) of selected items experienced at least one day of stock out during six previous months. Data on losses and adjustment were not reported in almost all hospitals assessed. All hospitals reported that there is no specific budget for laboratory and funds are insufficient to cover all needed laboratory products in hospitals. Only 2 (25%) hospitals comply with standards storage guidelines for laboratory commodities. The study identified three categories of challenges hindering the supply chain of laboratory commodities that are the challenges related to procurement process, high cost of laboratory commodities and challenges related to health system.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study sheds light on the inconsistent availability of laboratory commodities in selected hospitals in Kigali City. Additionally, interviews with key informants highlight challenges in laboratory supply chain management, such as procurement processes, high costs, budget constraints, and insufficient funds. These obstacles can result in delayed acquisition, stockouts, and ultimately impact the quality and availability of laboratory services to patients. Addressing these issues is crucial to improving patient care, diagnostics accuracy, and overall healthcare quality in the region.