Abstract:
Background: - Effective inventory management is essential to prevent stock-outs and
overstocking. In Ethiopia, there remains a lack of multimethod studies that integrate procurement
expenditure, issuing units, consumption patterns, Clinical-Financial Value and real-time stock
status.
Objective: - To assess pharmaceutical Expenditure, Stock Status, and Clinical-Financial Value
using a multi-method analysis at Tibebe Ghion Comprehensive Specialized Hospital., Amhara
regional state, Ethiopia.
Method: - A descriptive mixed-method research design was employed, utilizing primary qualitative
and secondary quantitative data sources. Data were collected from goods receiving vouchers and
recording systems, with Microsoft Excel used for expenditure analysis based on pharmaceutical
procurement parameters. The ABC matrix, holding cost analysis, pharmaceutical flow analysis,
and stock status analysis were conducted, along with a facility-specific drug list categorized into
VEN items. The study examined the frequency of movement and distribution of pharmaceuticals to
service delivery points over a one-year period from July 8, 2023, to July 7, 2024. In-depth
interviews were conducted to explore pharmaceutical inventory management practices.
Result: - Pharmaceutical expenditure analysis showed that 87.9% of purchases came from
government suppliers (12.1% from private sources via proforma 3.3% and open tenders 8.8%),
ABC–VEN classification indicated that Category I items consumed 89% of spending while
Category I in FSN–XYZ accounted for 77.5%, and issuance was mainly pharmacy (78.4%), lab
(10%), OPD (11.5%), and others (0.1%); stock review revealed 16% overstock, 8% optimal, 9%
low, and 67% shortages, with 29 items worth 297,267 birr nearing expiration. In the qualitative
segment of the study, most participants indicated that inventory management practices were
inadequate, and there was insufficient effort to procure pharmaceuticals from private suppliers.
Conclusion: - Tibebe Ghion Hospital is hindered by inefficient inventory management practices
stemming from poor data usage, weak analytical systems, and supply chain instability
