Inventory Management and Service Delivery in Health Units in Selected Sub~Counties in Lira District in Uganda

Abstract The study investigated and sought to establish the relationship between inventory management and service delivery in health units in selected sub-counties in Lira district in Uganda. The researcher set out the following objectives; - to assess the inventory management procedures in health units in selected sub-counties in Lira district in Uganda, to establish the level of service delivery in health units in selected sub-counties in Lira district in Uganda. And to identify the relationship between inventory management and service delivery in health units in selected sub-counties in Lira district in Uganda. The research was conducted using a combination of a survey and explanatory design. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide as well as review of available documents and records targeting administrators and health care providers, store managers and client/service users from a population of 130 respondents’ data was analysed using statistical package for social scientists where conclusion were drawn from tables, figures from the packages. The study found that purchase orders in most cases are not properly authorized and completely prepared and recorded on a timely basis, specifications is not performed by pharmacists and that respondents are not satisfied with the purchasing procedures. . Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide as well as review of available documents and records targeting administrators and health care providers, store managers and client/service users from a population of 130 respondents’ data was analysed using statistical package for social scientists where conclusion were drawn from tables, figures from the packages. The study found that purchase orders in most cases are not properly authorized and completely prepared and recorded on a timely basis, specifications is not performed by pharmacists and that respondents are not satisfied with the purchasing procedures. It was also noted that records are retained for a good period of time and that record keeping is by qualified personnel. On inventory control, the study found that it exist in most health centres and that this has improved the level of service delivery. The investigations recommended proper authorization of purchase orders, employment of qualified pharmacists, provision of good storage facilities, monitoring of service delivery and constant supplies of drugs from NMS. vu The study therefore concludes that inventory management lays a major role although with hiccups and that there is a significant relationship between inventory management and service delivery in health units in selected sub-counties in Lira district in Uganda.