MAINTAIN ADEQUATE STOCK OF DRUGS

Sir,
May I address a critical issue that impacts the healthcare system in Eswatini, which is the necessity of maintaining an adequate stock of drugs. It feels bad when patients travel long distances to seek healthcare in hospitals and clinics, only to find that there are stockouts. This has the effect of worsening the sickness, because it causes stress, especially when one does not have the money to purchase the drugs from private pharmacies. This is also a desperate call for the Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg, to ensure that he allocates the right budget to the Ministry for Health. Also, those responsible for administrative agencies, such as the Central Medical Stores (CMS) must ensure that the stock levels are adequate for a period of time.

Navigate

As we navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery in our nation, it is imperative that we recognise and prioritise the stocking of medicine in our healthcare centres. Maintaining the right stock levels of drugs in hospitals is crucial for several reasons, each of which plays a significant role in ensuring effective patient care and the overall functioning of the healthcare system. It ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment. In emergencies, delays in drug availability can lead to worsened health conditions or even fatalities. Ensuring that essential medications are consistently in stock helps healthcare providers deliver high-quality care and improves patient outcomes.

Treatment

Chronic diseases often require ongoing treatment with specific medications. Inconsistent availability can disrupt patients’ treatment regimens, leading to complications or deterioration in their health. Maintaining adequate stock levels ensures continuity of care, which is vital for managing chronic illnesses effectively. Proper inventory management can help hospitals avoid overstocking or stockouts. Overstocking leads to wasted resources and potential loss of medications due to expiration, while stockouts can necessitate costly last-minute purchases or emergency shipments. Efficient stock management helps hospitals optimise their budgets, reducing overall healthcare costs.

Comply

Hospitals are required to comply with various regulations regarding the availability and management of pharmaceuticals. Maintaining the right stock levels is essential to meet these regulatory requirements and avoid penalties or legal issues that can arise from non-compliance. Having a well-stocked pharmacy allows healthcare providers to focus on patient care rather than spending time sourcing medications. Efficient inventory systems streamline the process of medication distribution within hospitals, contributing to better overall operational efficiency. In times of public health crises, such as pandemics or disease outbreaks, the demand for certain medications can surge unexpectedly.

Hospitals that maintain appropriate stock levels are better prepared to respond to these emergencies, ensuring that they can provide necessary treatments to affected populations swiftly. When patients receive their medications promptly and without delays, their overall experience in the healthcare system improves. Satisfied patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and recommend the facility to others, which is important for building a hospital’s reputation and trust within the community. Maintaining the right stock levels fosters better collaboration among healthcare providers. When medications are readily available, doctors, nurses and pharmacists can work together more effectively to develop and adjust treatment plans, enhancing the overall quality of care.

Daniel Dlamini

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