Journal of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems
Open Access

Abstract

Assessment of Integrated Pharmaceutical Logistic System for the Management HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Laboratory Diagnostic Commodities in Public Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tilahun A, Geleta DA, Abeshu MA, Geleta B and Taye B

Background: Managing HIV/AIDS and TB laboratory commodities through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Logistics System (IPLS) is a strategy to enhance the smooth flow of commodities and prevent frequent stock outs of critical items that could hinder continuous provision of quality diagnostic services. However, data on IPLS implementation status at the health facility level are scarce. This study assessed the status of IPLS implementation for HIV/AIDS and TB laboratory commodities at health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. Thirty three public health facilities were selected using stratified sampling method. Information on selected indicators for IPLS implementation was collected using semistructured questionnaire customized from USAID|DELIVER’s LIAT and LSAT. Data for selected indicators was collected through document review, physical inventory, and in-depth interview with key informants Results: Availability of IPLS formats for recording and reporting - bin cards, internal facility report and requests (IFRR), and report and request forms (RRF) - was reported in 25 (92.6%) facilities. Regular update of bin cards was reported in 16 (61.5%) facilities, while IFRR and RRF were completed by 22 (84.6%) and 24 (92.6%) facilities, respectively. Utilization of bin cards was higher at health centers (76.5%) compared to hospitals (33.3%). Furthermore, 25 (92.6%) facilities reported stock out for one or more commodities during the last six months; stock out for SGPT, EDTA test tube, and 1% Carbol Fuchsin on date of visit was reported by 10 (41.6%), 12 (54.5%), and 11 (46.7%) facilities, respectively. Management support for IPLS implementation was significantly associated with improved data quality and utilization of IFRR. Conclusions: The majority of facilities reported the availability and utilization of IPLS tools to manage HIV/AIDS and TB laboratory commodities. However, most experienced stock out of one or more commodities during the last six months, which could be due to failure to implement IPLS in full scale.