Stock Assessment of Co-Trimoxazole Tablets in HIV/AIDS Program of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose : This research was aimed at determining the inventory level of Co-Trimoxazole tablets used in the HIV/AIDS program of Kebbi State, Nigeria, and assess the inventory level to find out if it fell within the required range as pre-determined by the inventory control system in Nigeria. Method : In achieving the stated objectives, visits were made to all hospitals offering HIV/AIDS services in Kebbi State were Co-Trimoxazole tablets are normally used. Data collected were 'stock on hand' and 'bimonthly consumption' and cut across all the three types of Co-Trimoxazole tablets namely: Co- Trimoxazole120 mg, Co-Trimoxazole480 mg and Co-Trimoxazole960 mg. Microsoft Excel spreadsheets were prepared for each type of Co-Trimoxazole across all the nine hospitals visited and the data were processed by inserting arithmetical formulae in the spreadsheets. The measure of inventory level called month of stock (MoS) was calculated and charts were developed to present the results obtained. Findings : The study found out that none of the Co-Trimoxazole tablets was within the inventory control system of 4 months maximum stock and 2 months minimum stock. Across the entire state, the inventory level of Co-Trimoxazole120 mg was 1.9 MoS, and that of Co-Trimoxazole480 mg was 1.4 MoS while the inventory level of Co-Trimoxazole960 mg was 5.7 MoS. Practical Implications : The research as much as it is monitoring in nature is as well evaluative because it showed that the logistics system is not functioning as designed.