EFFECT OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN SYSTEMS [�??PULL OR PUSH�?�] ON AVAILABILITY OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN UGANDA

Olido K, Mshilla M.M, Okello T.R*

The study sought to examine the extent to which the supply chain system of essential medicines, “pull” or “push”, ensures availability of essential medicines in the public health facilities. Using a cross sectional design availability of essential medicines was appraised and compared between the public health facilities that uses the pull or push supply system between May and July 2014. The pull system ensures better availability of essential medicine compared to the push (P value 0.001). The pull system is also associated with better planning and efficiency compared with the push system (P value = 0.034). The key problems in the supply of essential medicines include inadequate essential medicine (37.4%), delayed supply (11.5%) and supplying unsolicited medicines 9.9%. The pull system is better and superior to the push system in availing and management of essential medicines in the public health facilities. Policy makers should build capacity and use to the pull supply system in all facilities.