Inventory Control Mechanism of the Pharmacy Store of a Recently Established National Institute in Eastern India: A Cross-Sectional, Investigative Analysis.

Abstract

Background New establishments frequently face challenges. Pharmacy is integral to healthcare delivery institutes, and inventory management is crucial. The present study investigated the problems faced by the pharmacy of a newly established health institute and proposed relevant solutions to identify drugs needing stringent management control. Methods Responses were collected from seven pharmacists for questionnaires focusing on pharmacy problems and possible solutions. Always better control (ABC), vital essential desirable (VED), and ABC-VED matrix analysis were done on the drugs dispensed during the financial 2022-23. Results The predominant challenges identified were stockouts and shortages, expiry of medications, and supplier-related issues. The causes were mainly related to rural location, communication hurdles, and vendor management. Proposed solutions were integrating patients' electronic health records and bar code technology with the pharmacy's inventory management system, conducting pharmacy knowledge and skills upgradation sessions every six months, adopting ABC and VED analysis, and first-in first-out (FIFO), just-in-time (JIT). Total annual drug expenditure (ADE) for the drugs dispensed was 1,18,81,520 Indian Rupees.ABC analysis revealed 109 (22.8%), 115 (24.06%), and 254 (53.14%) of medicines as A, B, and C categories, respectively, accounting for 69.98, 20.00, and 10.07% of ADE. On ABC-VED matrix analysis, 125 (26.15%), 267 (55.86%), and 86 (17.99%) of drugs were found to be category I, II, and III items, respectively, accounting for 71.52, 23.84, and 4.64% of ADE. Conclusion Our study identified different pharmacy problems for a developing institute and suggested relevant measures. Categorization of drugs based on ABC and VED analysis will help to strengthen inventory control.