There are limited health commodity resources in Nepal and they should be allocated appropriately to avoid wastages and stockouts that negatively affect health outcomes. The quantification of health commodities estimates the total quantities and costs of the products required for a specific health program, for a future period of time and for determining when the products should be delivered to ensure an uninterrupted supply. It serves as reference document to guide advocacy, funding, procurement and other supply planning decisions. GHSC-PSM has been providing technical assistance and necessary financial support at central and provincial levels for quantification workshops to reduce high wastage and stockouts, particularly for Family Planning (FP) and Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) products.
GHSC-PSM led three-day workshops on quantification of free, essential drugs including FP and MNCH products for district and province hospitals staff in Gandaki and Bagmati provinces, Nepal. The exercises, which engaged hospital staff and representatives, were essential for the Province Health Logistic Management Centers to develop data using applicable methodologies to improve the timeliness and efficiency of procurement and supply chain management. This in turn will ensure the uninterrupted availability of free essential drugs including, FP and MNCH products throughout the health commodity supply chain. Additionally, the workshops helped to build the technical skills of government staff and institutionalized the forecasting and supply planning of FP and MNCH products, including other essential drugs at the provincial level. In 2022, GHSC-PSM plans to support additional quantification exercises at the central and provincial levels.
