The influence of direct health facility financing on availability of essential medicines in Ulanga district council in Morogoro region-Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Shortage of essential medicine in the public health facility mainly primary facilities is a major issue in Tanzania. Despite increasing of numerous reform attempts and initiatives over the last decade, surveys conducted reports that shortage of medicine still common. Objective of the study: To explore how Direct health facility financing influences the availability of essential medicines in health facilities. Methodology: A case exploratory study design was conducted from 15 participants who were purposefully selected, from the five facilities that implemented the DHFF in Ulanga district, In-depth interviews technique was used to collect primary data and documental review for secondary data on Budgetary themes, Funds allocations and Ordering process. deductive thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze data using NVIVO version 12. Results: Inadequate funds to the facilities hampered the medicine stock-outs within the facilities, the ordering cycle through the prime vendor system promotes the adequate supply of medicine within the facility due to the medicine stock out in the Medical store department store and the quarterly disbursement of funds contributed to the delay of availability of medicines in the facilities due to long waiting time. Conclusion; The insufficient funds from DHFF, prime vendor system of supply and ordering chain as well as disbursement timeline of funds were major issues contributing to the essential medicine stock out in facilities. Providing funds similarly to the budgetary need of the facilities, ensuring all time availability of medicine in Medical store department store and providing alternative prime vendors rather than Medical store department and One-month disbursement of funds to reduce long waiting time of funds to reduce stock outs in facilities.