Inventory Management Performance for Lifesaving Maternal and Child Health Medicines in Amhara Regional State,...

Maternal mortality is a major public health issue in Ethiopia, with 412 deaths per 100,000 live births. Pregnancy-related causes make up 25% of female deaths, highlighting the crisis's seriousness. Improving inventory management could enhance health system performance. This study examines how inventory management practices affect the availability of essential maternal and child health medicines in the area.

A facility-based cross-sectional study using mixed methods was conducted across 24 public health institutions in the North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, with sample sizes determined using the Logistic Indicator Assessment tool. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and observational checklists, while quantitative data were coded and analyzed with SPSS version 20, followed by data cleaning. To identify associations among dependent variables, χ ² tests and Spearman's rank correlation tests were utilized. Additionally, qualitative data from pharmacy heads and store managers were transcribed and thematically analyzed to extract key themes.

A study of 24 public health facilities found an 81.5% average availability for lifesaving medicines, with disparities between hospitals (86%) and health centers (78.2%). Stock-outs were common, and inventory accuracy was 80.8%. Key challenges driving shortages and waste included a faulty supply chain distributing near-expired products, poor storage (54% of facilities), and staff shortages and inadequate training.

This study reveals critical failures in the medicine supply chain, including poor availability, frequent stock-outs, and high wastage, driven by inadequate storage, budget shortfalls, near-expiry deliveries, and weak staff capacity. These systemic issues require urgent intervention through improved training, infrastructure, and a more reliable supply system to ensure consistent access to lifesaving medicines.