Wondie Mekonen Abibo, Sintayehu Tadilo, Endeshaw Woldeyohanins Alem, Tefera Mekasha Yesuneh, Weldegerima Atsbeha Berhanemeskel
Department of Veterinary Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Department of Logistic and Supply Chain Management, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Front Vet Sci. 2024 May 7;11:1336660. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1336660. eCollection 2024.
A pharmaceutical warehouse is part of the pharmaceutical supply chain and is essential to maintaining the quality and efficacy of veterinary pharmaceuticals for successful animal health service delivery. However, poor storage conditions, improper handling, and inappropriate use and disposal constitute challenges for veterinary supplies in animal health services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the existing practices and challenges in warehouse management in government veterinary clinics and private veterinary drug wholesalers in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 veterinary health facilities in four selected zones (south Gondar, west Gondar, central Gondar, and west Gojam zones) and Bahir Dar administrative city. Zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, pre-defined and tested observational checklists, and semi-structured interview guides. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The study revealed the presence of poor stock management practices, such as the absence of standard operating procedures for warehouse activities in ~59.5% of facilities surveyed. In none of the surveyed facilities, bin cards and system software utilization were satisfactory. The absence of disposal guidelines was detected in 83.8% of the facilities, and the practice of timely disposal of expired drugs was not satisfactory. Compared to the government veterinary clinics, private veterinary drug wholesalers had better storage practices (86.25%) following theoretical recommendations. The storage conditions in government clinics were rated poor at 48.3% (>80%, which is the limit to the acceptable rate for good storage conditions). The challenges of inadequate infrastructure, a lack of qualified staff, problems with the availability and affordability of pharmaceutical products, insufficient regulatory practice, and budget constraints were identified. A holistic approach involving related stakeholders should be followed to improve the existing challenges and the sector's efficiency.
药品仓库是药品供应链的一部分，对于维持兽药的质量和效力以成功提供动物健康服务至关重要。然而，储存条件差、处理不当以及使用和处置不当对动物健康服务中的兽药供应构成了挑战。因此，本研究旨在评估埃塞俄比亚政府兽医诊所和私人兽药批发商在仓库管理方面的现有做法和挑战。在四个选定地区（南贡德尔、西贡德尔、中贡德尔和西戈贾姆地区）以及巴赫达尔行政区的37个兽医卫生设施中进行了一项横断面研究。地区采用简单随机抽样技术选取。使用结构化问卷、预先定义并经过测试的观察清单以及半结构化访谈指南收集数据。描述性统计用于分析定量数据，而定性数据则采用主题方法进行分析。研究发现存在库存管理不善的情况，例如在约59.5%的被调查设施中，仓库活动没有标准操作程序。在所有被调查设施中，货卡和系统软件的使用情况都不尽人意。83.8%的设施未检测到处置指南，过期药品的及时处置情况也不令人满意。与政府兽医诊所相比，私人兽药批发商在遵循理论建议方面有更好的储存做法（86.25%）。政府诊所的储存条件被评为差的比例为48.3%（>80%，这是良好储存条件可接受率的上限）。确定了基础设施不足、缺乏合格工作人员、药品供应和可负担性问题、监管实践不足以及预算限制等挑战。应采取一种涉及相关利益攸关方的整体方法来改善现有挑战并提高该部门的效率。
