Evaluation of Pharmacy Logistic Performances and Barriers to Healthcare Access in Sarawak

Abstract

Introduction:

In Malaysia, the healthcare services have developed structurally, transforming the country into one of the healthiest countries in the tropics. However, there is a gap to ensure continuous drug availability. Sarawak is one of the states in Malaysia, run a three-tier system of managing health commodities which are the suppliers, the central medical store and regional medical store that forms the supplying chain. At the moment, there is no measurement of efficiency of this supply chain; thus, this study assesses the practices of logistics management, the causes of inadequacy of logistics and the strengths and weaknesses in health service in Sarawak.

Methods:

We collected data on logistic performance in 2015, which involves 227 facilities across Sarawak. The self-administered questionnaire assesses the possible impact of limitation in transportation on drug supply performance. We created a data extraction form to evaluate the delivery performances regarding the logistic issues.

Results:

Questionnaire was distributed to 227 facilities yielding 36.56% response rate. We found that facilities that less workload and keep maximum 3-month stock will indent more. About 60-65% of the facilities received stock from the main store within the stipulated time. Requestor also reported central store unable to deliver medicine; however, mostly due to transportation.

Conclusion:

The function of the central store is essential and relevant; however, the gap for service delivery needs enhancement while the requestor also need to improve in ordering strategies.