A study of supply chain management of tuberculosis commodities in Kenya

Abstract

Drug supply is an essential component of health care systems, accounting for 10-30% of health care costs. Drugs can be expensive, and willingness to pilfer for drugs got from the government system to go into the private secto r is high, creating the danger that employees will divert drugs for re-packaging and sale in the black market, or for personal use. Anti-Tuberculosis medication and commodities are critical in the life of a patient. TB mortality is higher among HIV patients , those with MDR-TB, and those who fail to complete treatment especially due to unava ilability of medicines. Increased numbers of patients being cured at the end of treatment increases productivity of the Kenyan economy including other benefits. The study sought to evaluate the supply chain management of tuberculosis commodities in Kenya. This was a descriptive research since it described a phenomenon. The population comprised of the stakeholders in the supply chain management of TB commodities in Kenya. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to gather the data to be used to answer the research question. Qualitative techniques were employed especially in areas of the research requiring opinion and description. Quantitative techniques were applied mainly on relevant public data and secondary data from previous surveys and statistics related to the research question i.e. supply chain management ofTB commodities. In addition, questionnaires were issued in person when necessary . Descriptive statistics; proportions and percentages were used to analyze the demographic data collected. From the findings , there is need to incorporate women in all areas of operations even in the medical industry and a greater need to incorporate young people in employment opportunities. Cost, number and type of items procured, together with Supply Chain efficiency including warehousing and storage conditions were SCM indicators considered to have a very large extent in usage as SCM Indicators for Tuberculosis Recipient. Thus the researcher recommends an overall outlook on the Supply Chain Management process