“TB drug stock planning in advance is a futile activity” health system’s perceived challenges and suggested solutions pertaining to Nikshay Aushadhi portal in central India

Abstract

BackgroundThe National TB elimination programme (NTEP) is facilitating sub-national certification of “TB Free” status with benchmarks at every 20% reduction in incidence from the baseline of 2015. Drug consumption/sale is essential criteria to claim for the award. During the certification process in 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh in 2022, it was found that Nikshay Aushadhi (a web-based supply chain management portal) entries were incomplete or vacant in most of the districts and it was observed that quarterly drug requests were not sent using Nikshay Aushadhi. Hence, present study was planned to explore the perceived challenges and suggested solutions from provider perspective, pertaining to Nikshay Aushadhi portal. MethodsA descriptive qualitative study with two distinct but interrelated phases. Free listing to identify the perceived challenges and suggested solutions pertaining to Nikshay Aushadhi followed with key informant interviews to explore in detail. Finally, the findings obtained were triangulated to increase the heterogeneity and validity of the results. ResultMajor perceived challenges identified were i) interrupted internet accessibility ii) frequent changes in portal iii) inadequate testing of portal before deployment/updates iii) excess, unutilized field in the portal iv & v) lack of frequent and effective training vi) quarterly drug request is not felt need vii) increased workload viii) lack of lack of human resource ix) lack of job actualization, and x) lack of digital literacy. Four major themes for suggested solutions were: i) improve the internet accessibility ii) frequent and effective training iii) job actualization and iv) improve the portal interface. ConclusionIf the internet and portal related issues are sorted out, the health care workers should be able to run this portal smoothly. Capacity building of the NTEP staff is of utmost importance.