NEPAL FAMILY PLANNING AND MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH PROJECT

This special evaluation, which focuses on the project's supply system, covers a period ending 12/79 and is based on site visits, interviews with project officials, and analysis of recommendations made in an 8/77 A.I.D. audit report. Weaknesses in the supply management system are linked to lack of top supervision, resulting in budget shortfalls for supply management training and warehouse leasing/renovation. These deficiencies caused most of the inadequacies for which recommendations (Nos. 3-5) were cited in the audit report. In analyzing these recommendations, the evaluator suggests that USAID/N and the Ministry of Health (MOH) develop jointly a coordinated logistical supply system to ensure proper inventory, storage, procurement, and distribution. To improve quarterly and annual reporting, which will provide accurate data on total contraceptive stocks in Nepal and on the number of contraceptive users, the evaluator recommends that a budget be drawn up immediately for training (including seminars) of Store-in-Charge personnel who are currently unfamiliar with reporting procedures; and that a physical inventory of stocks be taken and the register books be brought up to date. In meeting the auditor's recommendation to test excess stocks of condoms for quality before destroying surpluses, samples of condoms and pills were collected and sent to the United States for testing. When test results are received, appropriate action will be taken on their disposition. Staff job descriptions were redefined and additional storage space was located to improve improper inventory practices noted in the audit report. The evaluator recommends that onsite inspection of storage facilities, including suitability of room, be conducted, and that the Supply and Procurement Section begin budgeting for 1980-81. Improvements were made in other problem areas which were identified in the audit report but for which no recommendations were made. These areas include the commodity stock card system; inventory records; and disposal procedures for property.