Evaluation of essential medicines management in public health facilities in Ekiti state Nigeria

Access to affordable essential medicines is crucial in addressing patients' satisfaction and increasing their health-seeking behaviour. This study aimed to evaluate the management of essential medicines in public health facilities in Ekiti state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six public health facilities using 30 tracer drugs. Data collection methods include semi-structured interviews with the key informants at the health facilities, review of the documents, and physical inspection of the health centres. The availability of the tracer drugs at the time of the survey, stock-out duration, lead time, storage facilities, and inventory management practices of the facilities were assessed. The average availability of essential medicines in the facilities was 68.85%. The average stock-out duration for the health facilities was 3 months, and the health facilities' storage condition was adequate. The average lead time was 28 hours, and the records corresponding to the physical count range were 46.67% to 100%. The specialist hospital performed better than the general hospitals in all the parameters assessed. Some of the causes of drug shortages identified by the key informants were; poor inventory management practices, lack of trained personnel, the delay in the release of funds from the hospital management, and the bureaucratic procurement process, as most of the drugs used in Nigeria are imported. The study also revealed that some essential medicines were out of stock throughout the six-month survey. Overall, the availability of essential medicines and stock-out duration was below the performance target. Staff training in proper record keeping, drug quantification, and good inventory management practices is needed. The government also needs to allocate more funds to the public health sector.