Optimizing Drug Supply Chain in Hospital Pharmacy Department: An Empirical Evidence from a Developing Country

Abstract

Healthcare organisations all over the world are looking for ways to improve operational efficiencies at reduced costs without affecting their services. This study was undertaken to first and foremost examine the supply chain practices at KATH Pharmacy, and secondly to assess those practices in the light of industrially accepted best practices. Primary data was obtained from fifty-five (55) respondents and the data were analysed using SPSS, and queuing model. Interesting findings emerged from the study, including patients spending an average of 12 minutes within the system of drug dispensing unit. However, this time can be reduced if the numbers of servers within the facility is increased by way of opening more dispensing outlets.