The provision of essential medicines in rural health facilities is a complex issue, primarily influenced by frequent stock repletion, drug wastage, and poor record-keeping. Most of these problems are as a result of limited resources, old organizational systems, and poor infrastructure that characterizes most rural settings. This study evaluates the possible applicability of advanced technologies, like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, in meeting the above-mentioned requirements and to better inventory management of rural health facilities. It shall be considered with a mixed-methods approach based on survey and interview methodologies and case studies as well as cost-benefit analysis for testing feasibility, benefits, and drawback regarding the introduction of these technologies into low resource environments. The findings of this study indicate that the implementation of RFID, IoT, and cloud computing technologies possesses the capacity to significantly reduce drug wastage, enhance operational efficiency, and increase inventory accuracy. The primary obstacles to the adoption of these technologies include insufficient internet connectivity, constrained financial resources, and the necessity for specialized training. This study supports stepwise implementation, with key attention to pilot testing, financial assessment, and scalable approaches to these technological innovations. Finally, the investigation determines that, despite the considerable promise these technologies hold in transforming rural healthcare systems, there exists an urgent requirement to address technical, logistical, and financial obstacles to render them feasible and appropriate for application in resource-constrained environments.

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Inventory Management Challenges and Solutions for Essential Medicines in Rural Healthcare Facilities

  • Shrinivas Patwardhan,
  • Shailesh Gahane,
  • Pankajkumar Anawade,
  • Vanshika Landge,
  • Prachi Mandade

摘要

The provision of essential medicines in rural health facilities is a complex issue, primarily influenced by frequent stock repletion, drug wastage, and poor record-keeping. Most of these problems are as a result of limited resources, old organizational systems, and poor infrastructure that characterizes most rural settings. This study evaluates the possible applicability of advanced technologies, like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, in meeting the above-mentioned requirements and to better inventory management of rural health facilities. It shall be considered with a mixed-methods approach based on survey and interview methodologies and case studies as well as cost-benefit analysis for testing feasibility, benefits, and drawback regarding the introduction of these technologies into low resource environments. The findings of this study indicate that the implementation of RFID, IoT, and cloud computing technologies possesses the capacity to significantly reduce drug wastage, enhance operational efficiency, and increase inventory accuracy. The primary obstacles to the adoption of these technologies include insufficient internet connectivity, constrained financial resources, and the necessity for specialized training. This study supports stepwise implementation, with key attention to pilot testing, financial assessment, and scalable approaches to these technological innovations. Finally, the investigation determines that, despite the considerable promise these technologies hold in transforming rural healthcare systems, there exists an urgent requirement to address technical, logistical, and financial obstacles to render them feasible and appropriate for application in resource-constrained environments.