Expansion of family planning services

The evaluation covered the period FY82-FY88. The project implementor, Importadora de Productos Farmaceuticos, S.A. (IPROFASA), a private, for-profit corporation, has conducted CSM activities in full compliance with contractual requirements and in accordance with sound business practices. Administrative and operational organization are acceptable and in some cases sophisticated. A computerized management information system exists. Sales and distribution operations are professionally planned and managed, the IPROFASA logistic system is excellent, and the accounting system complies with standard practices. Sales records to date have been good, with 1% of married women in reproductive age in the country covered at a cost of $12.55 per couple year of protection. On the negative side, IPROFASA lacks a formal and integrated marketing plan that specifies organizational objectives and strategies for setting product, price, promotion, and distribution objectives. Salaries and benefits for current employees and management staff are below market standards and salary increases have generally lagged behind the inflation rate. There is also substantial black market activity which affects IPROFASA"s sales. Reaching self-sufficiency in the foreseeable future is not possible without seriously jeopardizing the social purpose of the CSM project. Action decisions are, inter alia, to: (1) develop marketing and intensive communications plans; (2) increase financial resources for introducing and selling contraceptive products to the indigenous population; and (3) evaluate price structures to ensure that products are accessible to low-income groups.