Inventory control for drugs used in the urban training centre of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: Proper utilization of resources is of utmost importance in any health care establishment, because resources are limited. Scientific methods should be developed so that investment at a minimal cost can yield maximum returns. This can only be achieved by inventory control. The present study was conducted in the urban training centre of a tertiary care hospital where ABC and VED analysis of all categories of drugs used were done to identify the drug supply and utilization pattern. Methods: Drug expenditure of the urban training centre under the department of community medicine of R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital was analyzed using the ABC-VED matrix economic analysis from April 2012 to March 2013. Results: The total annual drug expenditure from April 2012 to March 2013 was Rs.52194.89.On ABC analysis it was found 12.50% of drugs fall under category A accounting for 70.82% of total expenditure, 21.87% and 65.63% of the drugs fall under category B and C respectively which accounted for 19.90% and 9.28% of annual expenditure for drugs. VED classification, done after discussion with the medical officer revealed 21.87% drugs as vital,50% drugs as essential and 28.13% drugs as desirable drugs. ABC-VED matrix analysis revealed 28.12% drugs were Category I whereas 53.13% and 18.75% drugs belonged to Category II and Category III drugs respectively. Conclusions: ABC and VED analysis techniques need to be routinely adopted for optimal utilization of drugs and to avoid out-of-stock position.