Abstract:

Introduction: Community pharmacies have been playing a big role in delivering health service to people of different communities, it being the nearest preferable and commonest health service to people. The aim of community pharmacies is not only to form profit like other business but also to provide quality health services to its people. The goals and aims are easily met when a community pharmacy has an efficient inventory management system and proper inventory storage conditions.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for one month in community pharmacies found in Nyamagana district. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. Respondent’s socio-demographic data were recorded. Inventory management information’s such as management system used, safety stock maintenance, ordering practice and factors associated with inventory management challenges. Also, there was a checklist for assessing storage conditions. The results were summarized using frequently, percentage, chi-square and p value.

Results: A total of 70 pharmacies conveniently sampled were enrolled in this study. On less than half of pharmacies were using computerized system in management of inventories (42.9%). The major reason for expiry of medication was similar items was preferred (57.1%) and receiving of medication near expiry (55.7%). Delay from the supplier delivery was the major reason for out of stock of some medication about (51.4%). And the overall adherence to storage requirement was only 60.6%.

Conclusion: Level of computerization was found to be very low, main reason for expiry of medication was preference of another brand and for stock out was delay delivery from supplier and increased consumption. The overall adherence to storage requirement was found to be greater than 50%.