Table_2_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.

药品仓库作为医药供应链的重要组成部分，对于维持兽医药品的质量与效能，以实现动物健康服务的成功交付至关重要。然而，不良的储存条件、不当的处理以及药品的不当使用与处置构成了动物健康服务中兽医药品供应的挑战。因此，本研究旨在评估埃塞俄比亚政府兽医诊所和私人兽医药品批发商在仓库管理方面的现有实践与挑战。本研究在四个选定区域（南贡德尔、西贡德尔、中贡德尔和西戈贾姆区域）以及巴希达尔行政城市中的37个兽医健康设施中进行了横断面研究。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、预先定义并经过测试的观察清单和半结构化访谈指南进行。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，约59.5%的调查设施缺乏仓库活动的标准操作程序，存在不良的库存管理实践。在所有调查的设施中，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，而过期药品及时处置的实践也不令人满意。与政府兽医诊所相比，私人兽医药品批发商在遵循理论推荐的基础上，储存实践较好（达到86.25%）。政府诊所的储存条件被评为较差，占比为48.3%（超过80%，这是良好储存条件的可接受率上限）。研究识别了基础设施不足、缺乏合格人员、药品的可获得性和成本问题、监管实践不足以及预算限制等挑战。应采取涉及相关利益相关者的综合方法，以改善现有挑战和提升该行业的效率。