Assessment of Inventory Control on Availability of Drugs and Medical Devices

Abstract

The study aimed to assess inventory control on availability of drugs and medical services. The study was located at public health facilities in Tanga region. The study conducted a cross-sectional research design, however the quantitative approach was employed during data collection, data analysis, and presentation of findings. The sample of 73 healthcare providers were employed from a total of 35 health facilities. Data were collected through a questionnaire and being analyzed by using descriptive analysis later inferential analysis to develop a statistical significant between variables. Additionally, the study employee the theory known as Deterministic Inventory Model. After analysis, the findings show that to a large extent the health facilities in Tanga region practice inventory control to enhance availability of drugs and medical devices. The findings also revealed that the healthcare providers in public health facilities in Tanga have knowledge to practice monitoring of medicines stock levels, adherence to procedures and guidelines, and trained personnel. The results also show that there are challenges which facing healthcare workers in inventory control which include, lack of training, lack of skills, lack of inventory management, and lack of capacity building. The inferential analysis found that all determinants (inventory control practices, knowledge of healthcare workers, challenges in inventory control) are statistically significant (p<0.05) with availability of drugs and medical devices. The study concludes that practicing of inventory control is very essential for availability of drugs