The Impact of Procurement Operations on Healthcare Delivery: A Case Study of Malawias Public Healthcare Delivery System
To investigated the impact of procurement operations on healthcare delivery in Malawi’s public healthcare delivery system. It sought to confirm the existence, establish the frequency, effects and causes of stock outs of drugs. The Study was provoked by local media reports on acute drug stock outs in the public healthcare delivery system despite the same being adequately available in private hospitals. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data was collected using three sets of questionnaires administered to 40 patient caregivers (nurses, clinicians and doctors), 12 senior hospital managers, and 6 procurement managers. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences Findings: The study found that procurement functions derailed healthcare delivery through failure to ensure availability of drugs. Frequent stock outs of drugs were confirmed, the effects of which on healthcare delivery ranged from death of patients, deterioration of medical conditions of patients, hospital overcrowding, to transfer of patients to other hospitals. These stock outs were attributed to: failure by a ‘government-instituted supplier’ to fulfill drug orders; delays by procurement staff; and withholding of funds by donors. Research limitations: The study was conducted at a time when drug stock outs were at crisis levels in public hospitals. The results may therefore strongly represent the situation at that material point in time. Practical Implications: The study provides insights into the significance of procurement operations in healthcare delivery. It recommends a strategy shift from single sourcing to dual sourcing in order to avert the persistent drug stock outs in public hospitals.
