Application of inventory models in drug inventory management the case for the Nairobi City Council health services

Abstract

This study sought to determine first the factors that hinder the application of inventory models in drug inventory management in Nairobi city council health services. It also tried to establish the behaviour of inventory parameters for selected hospitals and drugs. The populations of interest was the city council health units from which a sample of seventeen (17) health units was taken. The information 'sought was obtained by one ef questionnaire and city council drug records. From the data obtained it was found that the major factor hindering the application of inventory models is frustrations by the ordering system. Lack of computers to keep track of inventory levels and lack of awareness on how best to implement the models were also cited as constraining factors. As regards the behaviour of inventory parameters there was high variation in demand and lead time for the various drugs. This variations then meant that safety stock levels are to be set by the city council services.