The influence of human resource factors on pharmaceutical procurement supply chain management cycle in nongovernmental organizations in Kenya

Abstract

Procurement is an important part of efficient drug management and supply and is critical for all levels of health care institutions. An effective procurement process ensures the availability of the right drugs in the right quantities, available at the right time, for the right patient and at reasonable prices, and at recognizable standards of quality. Sound procurement policies and standard operating procedures are among the essential elements of good governance. Lack of or failure to use existing standard operating procedures of procurement in the procurement of medicines and other health related products can lead to procurement of substandard products and thus knowledge of SOPs among the health personnel is crucial for maintenance of quality products. The study aims at determining the effect of human resource factors on pharmaceutical procurement supply chain management cycle in charitable NGOs in Kenya with a specific focus on the Kenya Red Cross Society. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross section survey design. The study was conducted at Kenya Red Cross Society in Nairobi County head office and in 8 Kenya Red Cross Society regional offices. The study population comprised of 48 procurement, finance and logistic personnel. The stratified sampling method was used to identify the subgroups in the population. Self-administrated questionnaire with 5 point likert scale was to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The findings of the study revealed that human resources awareness of procurement and logistic policies is significantly associated with the efficiency of pharmaceutical supply chain at the KRCS. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that, there should be periodic training of all staff engaged in procurement and logistics of pharmaceutical products