An assessment of drug supply chain system in selected facilities in Abuja and Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: In Nigeria, government and non-governmental organizations are currently involved in funding, organizing and delivering medicines and other health commodities. Supply chain management of essential health commodities involves a series of activities meant to guarantee the continuous flow of drugs, laboratory test kits and other consumables from the point of manufacture to the point of consumption.

Objective: The study was aimed at assessing the current status of the drug supply chain in Nigeria with respect to the capacity and practices of storage, distribution and transportation.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted to assess the various parameters, through the use of structured questionnaires administered to officers handling drugs supply system in selected sites in FCT Abuja and Plateau state.

Results: The study showed that 68% of the stores assessed had a defined quality assurance policy in place. 68% indicated availability of written information and documentation of storage activities. However, only 39% of respondent indicated availability of temperature charts, while 61% reported having in place a functional distribution and transportation mechanism.

Conclusion: Despite observed lapses, this assessment revealed enough strengths and good infrastructural presence to indicate that the drugs supply chain is sufficiently effective and efficient to receive and manage medicines that pass through it.