The Auditor General has emphasized the importance of timely stock updates in the mSupply software system by the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS) to ensure accuracy in inventory management. This recommendation follows an audit that uncovered discrepancies in stock counts during FPBS’s recent annual stock take, conducted from July 22 to August 3, 2023. Variances between recorded stock and actual physical counts highlighted ongoing challenges for FPBS in reconciling inventory data from 233 health facilities.
According to the Ministry of Health, factors contributing to these discrepancies include confusing item descriptions in the system, leading to misentries, and logistical difficulties due to significant supplies received alongside limited storage space. The Ministry acknowledged that these issues have made effective counting challenging.
Moving forward, FPBS aims to enhance its processes to improve the accuracy and efficiency of manual stock cards and the mSupply system. Efforts will be directed toward refining inventory management practices to provide reliable data, essential for maintaining adequate medical supplies across healthcare facilities.
This aligns with past reports that indicated the crucial role of FPBS as the primary distributor of medical supplies to over 200 health facilities in Fiji. FPBS had previously implemented the M-Supply system in a bid to modernize operations and streamline inventory management, which has shown promise in improving tracking and response to stock levels.
Thus, as Fiji navigates these challenges in medical supply distribution, there remains a strong commitment to improving systems and ensuring that all communities across the islands have access to vital healthcare resources. The path forward involves implementing robust practices and systems that can adapt to the complexities of supply chain logistics, fostering a more resilient healthcare framework for all Fijians.
Leave a comment