Assessment of storage and inventory practices to improve medicine supply chain in Jubek state South Soudan

Abstract

Introduction: The study to Assess storage and inventory Practices to improve Medicine Supply chain in South Sudan was conducted in 12 health facilities in within the vicinity of Juba City. Objectives of the study: The research mainly focused on the specific objectives which include; to assess medicine store rooms and inventory management practices in selected health facilities in Juba City, to assess the knowledge of the health workers working in the store and inventory management and to give recommendation to different stakeholders on how to improve storage of medicines and medical supplies. Methodology: The study used a descriptive survey in laying more emphasis in determining the frequency with which the variables are implemented. The study population comprised of 12 Health Centers in Juba where inventory management was practiced. The study questionnaires and observation guides to collect information from the pharmacies about store room condition and inventory management. Interview was used in the health Centers that had drug stores to collect information from the store keepers on their knowledge about their knowledge regarding store and inventory management. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and Excel to generate tables and graphs. Results: The study found that store and inventory management practices varied in the different health facilities. Hospitals and Central medical stores exhibited good and average inventory and store room management practices and PHCs’ exhibited good, average and poor inventory and store room management practices assessed through self-assessment and observation assessment by the researcher. There was great similarity between the observation assessment and the self-assessment made than the difference.