Helpdesk Report: National pharmaceutical procurement and supply chain institutions

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) was the main case study identified for this report

Abstract

Query

What examples are there of effective national pharmaceutical procurement and supply chain institutions in low income countries? What examples exist in the literature of reform of national pharmaceutical procurement and supply chain institutions in low income countries?

Overview

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) was the main case study identified for this report. KEMSA reformed in 2008 to increase autonomy from the government. A task force identified interference with the management of KEMSA, lack of autonomy due to heavy representation by Ministry of Health staff, ineffective accountability and supervisory mechanisms, and parallel procurement procedures by development partners. Key aspects of reform are described.

This report also identified a small amount of information on pharmaceutical supply institutions in Zambia, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Mozambique.

Citation

Bolton, L. Helpdesk Report: National pharmaceutical procurement and supply chain institutions. Health and Education Advice and Resource Team (HEART), Oxford, UK (2014) 30 pp.

Helpdesk Report: National pharmaceutical procurement and supply chain institutions

Published 1 January 2014