Abstract:
The purpose of this study examined the inventory management practices and challenges
on healthcare delivery taking Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-city health center as a case. To this
end, both primary and secondary data was collected through semi-structured
questionnaire, observation, review of reports and interview. The collected data were
analyzed using narrative analysis and descriptive statistics. Many respondents recognize
and appreciated some of the challenges asked indicated areas of focus for improvement
and action. The top five challenges encountered while managing health commodities
include: delays in delivery of drugs leading to insufficient inventories , lack of modern
technologies, insufficient funding, lack of inventory management training, the length of
bureaucratic processes in the procurement system and stock out of health commodities.
Such challenges have been reflected through frequent stock outs leading to services
interruptions atthe health center.The study revealed that the health center has long-term
agreements with its suppliers, maintain proper store management, the majority of the
store managers had adequate knowledge on health commodities management and they
had also a positive attitude towards the importance of appropriate storage of commodities
including handling of obsolete, expired, or damaged inventories.
