Stock dataset underlying the supply chain project in Tehrathum, Nepal

Paper-based recording and reporting systems for the stock status of drugs are well known to cause delays in the supply of essential drugs at the health facility level in Nepal. An innovative SMS-based reporting system that would notify health facilities and health officials of the understock of three essential drugs (Oxytocin, Misoprostol, and Chlorhexidine) was developed and piloted in 32 health facilities (15 birthing centers and 17 non-birthing centers) of Tehrathum district of Nepal. The stock status was stored in the MongoDB database. This case study describes the implementation of this project and presents the availability and stock status of three essential drugs during the program implementation period, along with the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the intervention. The intervention improved the reporting rate to almost 100% and also reduced stock-outs of the three essential drugs during program implementation in the health facilities. Remote areas with unavailability of internet services can use the SMS-based intervention for reporting the stock status to the local level stores.