Pharmaceutical Logistic Information System (PLIS): Report on the Expansion Testing Phase in all BPHS/EPHS Implementing NGOs

The PLIS was tested in September 2013. The PLIS is designed to collect data on pharmaceutical supplies, including medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment, from all BPHS/EPHS implementers. The system aims to improve the management of pharmaceutical supplies, enhance the availability of essential medicines, and reduce stockouts and overstocking. The PLIS also seeks to provide real-time data on pharmaceutical supplies, enabling the MOPH to make informed decisions on procurement and distribution. The testing phase of the PLIS involved 20 NGOs, which reported data on pharmaceutical supplies, including medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment. The data was collected through a standardized reporting form, which was designed to capture key information on pharmaceutical supplies, including stock levels, consumption rates, and stockouts. The data was then analyzed to identify trends and patterns in pharmaceutical supply management. The analysis of the data revealed several key findings. The reporting rate for the PLIS was high, with 95% of NGOs reporting data on pharmaceutical supplies. However, the reporting issues were identified, including incomplete data and delayed reporting. The analysis also revealed that the medicines lists were not up-to-date, and the value indicators were not accurately reported. The volume indicators, which measure the quantity of medicines consumed, were also analyzed. The results showed that the volume of medicines consumed varied across provinces, with some provinces reporting high consumption rates and others reporting low consumption rates. The ABC analysis, which categorizes medicines based on their consumption rates, revealed that the top 10% of medicines accounted for 70% of the total consumption. The analysis of the sample medicines lists revealed that the lists were not comprehensive, and some essential medicines were missing. The medicine expenditures at the provincial level were also analyzed, and the results showed that the expenditures varied across provinces, with some provinces reporting high expenditures and others reporting low expenditures. The comparisons of the applications and transporting the reports revealed that the PLIS was able to provide real-time data on pharmaceutical supplies, enabling the MOPH to make informed decisions on procurement and distribution. However, the limitations and challenges experienced during the testing phase were also identified, including incomplete data, delayed reporting, and technical issues with the PLIS application. The key information presented through the PLIS, such as the stock levels, consumption rates, and stockouts, was found to be useful in identifying trends and patterns in pharmaceutical supply management. The important factors to be considered in the resource-limited context, such as the need for a robust data management system and the importance of training and capacity building, were also identified. The use of applications and data management issues was also analyzed, and the results showed that the PLIS was able to provide real-time data on pharmaceutical supplies, but the technical issues with the application and data management system were significant. The conclusions and recommendations of the report highlight the importance of a robust data management system, the need for training and capacity building, and the importance of addressing the technical issues with the PLIS application. The report concludes that the PLIS is a useful tool for improving the management of pharmaceutical supplies, but it requires further development and refinement to address the technical issues and limitations identified during the testing phase. The recommendations of the report include the need for a robust data management system, the importance of training and capacity building, and the need for further development and refinement of the PLIS application.