The effect of procurement practices on availability of health products and technologies in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Improved procurement practices may lower costs and minimize shortages of medicines, vaccines and other health products. Availability of health products and technologies (HPTs) is essential to the provision of quality health care to consumers. Public sector health facilities in Meru County experience inadequate supply of essential health commodities, compromising the provision of health care to clients and patients.

Main Objective: The impact of procurement practices on availability of health products and technologies in Meru County, Kenya.

Methodology: The descriptive research design was employed. The study was located in Meru County focusing on all eleven-sub-County and one county referral hospitals which formed the target population. The sample size was 75 respondents comprising respective members of procurement committees. The study used primary data gathered via semi structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were largely utilized.

Findings: The study established that about 88% of the facilities indicated consumption data as the most preferred forecasting data. The most preferred electronic tool (78.6%) in procurement in health facilities in Meru County was found to be the District Health Information System (DHIS2). The study revealed that approximately 92% of the respondents indicated that procurement practices were associated with increased availability of health products and technologies in Meru County. Further, the study found that there was weak linkage between quantification plans, procurement plans, and annual budgets. This was followed by inadequate capacity in terms of human resources, tools, and skills for product selection and quantification.

Recommendations: As a form of forecasting data, hospital committees in the county should use data for demand of a service or commodity mostly in the main phases of planning to enhance accuracy of the predictions hence contributing to the success of service delivery in the health sector. There is a need for enhancing the use of the DHIS2 platform by creating much awareness in other departments within the health facility as well as sponsoring staff for the crush training program. The county health management team (CHMT) should consider emphasizing the adherence to laid down procurement practices as they are associated with increase in availability of HPTs. Lastly, the study recommends to the management to clear financial uncertainties at the county levels as it leads to increased challenges associated with delayed procurement cycles.