[e-drug] Sigmed experience in Malawi

["R. Verhage" <rverhage@cq-link.sr>]

E-drug: Sigmed experience in Malawi
---------------------------------------------

[In response to a query in February 2002, from Dimitri Peffer in 
Mozambique about a drug inventory control system.  BS]

Dear Dimitri,

I am involved in setting up Sigmed at the CMS Malawi. This CMS has one
headquarters and three regional stores.

In extensive sessions between the future key users (CMS personnel) and
the software provider all procedures relating to procurement, inventory
control and finance have been discussed and been decided upon. My role
was to write the procedures down and make sure that they comply with
'good practices'. One advantage of Sigmed over other programmes is, that
it is very flexible and can deliver tailor-made solutions. In Malawi
specific wishes from users were discussed and when adopted included in
the software. Procedures do not need to change because of the programme,
but the programme can be adapted to the specific situation on the
ground.

As in most countries qualified personnel is scarce in Malawi. Therefore,
policy is that headquarters needs to have control on the regional stores
operations. This has been achieved by centralised procurement and
distribution of goods plus daily transfer of regional stores sales data
to headquarters.

Of course far more can be said on the implementation of Sigmed and I
would be pleased to answer specific questions.

Finally, if software like Sigmed is required it is essential to
formulate the exact needs, make a budget, ensure funds and organise an
open tender. IT developments in this area are continuing and you would
not want to miss the latest developments. For orientation it might help
to make an inventory of these kind of programmes, like the one done some
years back on e-drug. Initiators at the time might be triggered to
initiate this again?

Best regards,

Rob Verhage
PO Box 4002
Paramaribo
Suriname
Tel/fax 597 438966
  "R. Verhage" <rverhage@cq-link.sr>
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