| dc.description.abstract | Procurement process and practices are crucial components in the successful realization of universal healthcare and in particular the availability of essential drugs. Despite various attempts and contributions aimed at enhancing the procurement process, there remain issues with the availability of essential medications. Therefore, the research focused on determining how the procurement process influences the availability of essential drugs in public health facilities in Mombasa County, Kenya. More precisely, the study sought to identify how procurement planning, choosing suppliers, financing procurement, and assessing needs impact the availability of essential drugs in the public health facilities of Mombasa County, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design targeting the level 4 and 5 facilities. The study population comprised 1216 health workers in level 4 and level 5 public health facilities in Mombasa County including the medical laboratory personnel, clinical and medical officers, nurses and specialist nurses, medical officers and specialists as well as pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists. The study adopted stratified sampling approach and simple random sampling approach to select respondent from a sample size of 301. A structured questionnaire was deployed to gather primary data to achieve the objectives of this research. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis process. The study found and concluded that procurement planning, supplier selection, procurement financing, and needs assessment positively and significantly influenced the availability of essential drugs. Specifically, each unit increase in procurement planning, supplier selection, procurement finance, and needs assessment corresponded to increases in drug availability of 0.079, 0.085, 0.157, and 0.609, respectively. At a 95% significance level, all factors were significant, with need assessment being the most influential factor (p-value = .000), followed by procurement financing (p-value = .000), and procurement planning (p-value = .028).The study recommended that there is need to conduct a comprehensive and regular need assessment of essential drugs in public health facilities. The assessment should involve collaboration between healthcare professionals, administrators, and relevant stakeholders. Further recommended that the development of a robust procurement planning strategy that aligns with the identified needs and available financing. Also, recommends that there should be a transparent and competitive supplier selection process. Finally, the study recommends that for establishment of partnerships with international organizations, non-governmental organizations or donor agencies that are committed to improving healthcare access. | en_US |
