Why manage drugs and medical supplies?

Why manage drugs and medical supplies? 

Three reasons can be given to explain why drugs or medical supplies need to be managed properly. 

 Firstly, drugs are part of the link between the patient and health services. Consequently, their availability or absence will contribute to the positive or negative impact on health. 

 Secondly, poor drug management, particularly in the public sector of developing countries, is a critical issue, but major improvements are possible that can save money and improve access. 

Finally, drugs are no longer the responsibility of health workers only. Political, economic, financial and traditional considerations have become so crucial in health care that it has become imperative to look at drugs and health care from these perspectives. 

All of these factors contribute to appropriate financial expenditure, avoid wastage, increase access and ensure that drugs are properly used

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Drug management functions are undertaken in four principal phases, which are interlinked and are reinforced by appropriate management support systems (i.e. tools).
• From drug selection to drug use, passing through procurement, storage and distribution, a whole range of management capacities are required and necessitate using the appropriate tools within a given legal and policy framework

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The selection of drugs for use at health center's is usually determined at the national level by the Ministry of Health and is based on a number of factors.
• After determination of the quantities required, based on price, delivery conditions and quality, the selected drugs go through a procurement process. After storage and distribution, the use of the drugs requires prescribing, packaging, dispensing and counselling. 

•These tasks require qualified health workers or other relevant personnel with appropriate skills and attitudes.
• Management support tools are important for the acquisition of relevant skills in drug management.