Table_1_Assessment of veterinary pharmaceutical warehouse management practices and its associated challenges in four selected zones and Bahir Dar city of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia.docx

A pharmaceutical warehouse is part of the pharmaceutical supply chain and is essential to maintaining the quality and efficacy of veterinary pharmaceuticals for successful animal health service delivery. However, poor storage conditions, improper handling, and inappropriate use and disposal constitute challenges for veterinary supplies in animal health services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the existing practices and challenges in warehouse management in government veterinary clinics and private veterinary drug wholesalers in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 veterinary health facilities in four selected zones (south Gondar, west Gondar, central Gondar, and west Gojam zones) and Bahir Dar administrative city. Zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, pre-defined and tested observational checklists, and semi-structured interview guides. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The study revealed the presence of poor stock management practices, such as the absence of standard operating procedures for warehouse activities in ~59.5% of facilities surveyed. In none of the surveyed facilities, bin cards and system software utilization were satisfactory. The absence of disposal guidelines was detected in 83.8% of the facilities, and the practice of timely disposal of expired drugs was not satisfactory. Compared to the government veterinary clinics, private veterinary drug wholesalers had better storage practices (86.25%) following theoretical recommendations. The storage conditions in government clinics were rated poor at 48.3% (>80%, which is the limit to the acceptable rate for good storage conditions). The challenges of inadequate infrastructure, a lack of qualified staff, problems with the availability and affordability of pharmaceutical products, insufficient regulatory practice, and budget constraints were identified. A holistic approach involving related stakeholders should be followed to improve the existing challenges and the sector's efficiency.

药物仓储作为医药供应链的重要组成部分，对于维持兽用药品的质量与效用，以确保动物健康服务的成功交付至关重要。然而，不良的储存条件、处理不当以及不当的使用与处置构成了动物健康服务中兽药供应的挑战。因此，本研究旨在评估埃塞俄比亚政府兽医诊所和私营兽医药品批发商在仓库管理方面的现有实践和挑战。研究采用横断面调查方法，在四个选定的区域（南贡德尔、西贡德尔、中贡德尔和西戈贾姆区域）以及巴赫达尔行政城市中的37个兽医健康设施进行。区域选择采用简单随机抽样技术。数据收集通过结构化问卷、预定义并经测试的观察清单以及半结构化访谈指南完成。定量数据采用描述性统计方法进行分析，而定性数据则采用主题分析方法。研究发现，在调查的设施中，有59.5%缺乏仓库活动的标准操作程序，且在所有调查设施中，货位卡和系统软件的利用均不令人满意。在83.8%的设施中发现了缺乏处置指南，而过期药物的及时处置实践亦不尽如人意。与政府兽医诊所相比，私营兽医药品批发商在遵循理论推荐的基础上，储存实践更为优秀（86.25%）。政府诊所的储存条件被评为较差，占比高达48.3%（超过80%，这是良好储存条件的可接受率上限）。研究识别出基础设施不足、缺乏合格人员、药品的可获得性和可负担性问题、监管实践不足以及预算限制等挑战。为改善现有挑战和提高该行业的效率，应采取涉及相关利益相关者的综合方法。