MEDICINE STOCK OUT AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN TANZANIA: A CASE OF DAR ES SALAAM REGION HOSPITALS

Godeliver A.B. Kagashe and Terevael Massawe

The supply of medicines needs to be managed efficiently in order to prevent all types of wastage including overstocking, pilferage and expiry. This wastage may influence the quality of health care provided to patients. Problems of stock outs or overstocking and expiry of medicines in public hospitals in Tanzania have been reported. Factors contributing to these stock outs on one hand and over stocking on the other are not very clear. This descriptive cross sectional study therefore assessed the logistic skill levels of personnel involved in medicines supply as well as inventory management of medicines in public hospitals in Dar es Salaam region. Data was obtained using questionnaires as well as record review of tracer medicines. Results show that logistic skill level was poor and inventories were not well managed. Lack of funds and poor logistic skills contributed to stock outs. It is recommended that personnel dealing with medicines supply be trained in procurement and inventory management.