Robust inventorying is an additional step being embraced by the Ministry of Public Health to boost its efforts at accountability.
This renewed focus on accountability, transparency, and fostering collaboration, according to Ministry officials, is required to ensure long-term systems sustainability. In addition to this, the Ministry is looking to its partners and stakeholders including USAID, PAHO/WHO, and Global Fund for assistance to strengthen coordination and collaboration and to promote strong governance, transparency, and accountability in the supply chain.
During a 12-day study of the Ministry’s procurement system in December 2018, USAID specialists were able to determine that the Ministry is at level 2 of the 5-tier system: Canvas; Bronze; Silver; Gold; and Accredited.
Attaining the Bronze supply chain maturity level is an important achievement. This level signals that the supply chain improvement journey is under way. To achieve Bronze, the country has trained staff, implemented processes and has some level of functional technology, USAID has found adding that, “This is to be applauded, as the most difficult step to make is the first, from Canvas to Bronze.”
Currently, Guyana is well positioned to lift from the Bronze level to Silver, by implementing a systematic and structured improvement programme. Silver builds on this with further advanced staff qualifications, introduction of Standard Operating Procedures and improved technology.
The Supply Chain Maturity Model generated a portfolio of 53 improvement activities which are required to attain the next level. However, USAID has noted that countries have their own and sometimes, individual and unique challenges which also require attention.
“Part of our attention will focus on continuing to improve the skill set of our procurement staff, and this year we have planned additional training by USAID experts in a number of key areas, including drafting of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), implementing our Procurement Tracking System software, and taking steps to improve synergies between the Procurement and the Materials Management Unit (MMU) to improve its collection and distribution cycles of drugs, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in the quest to help improve the lives of everyone living in Guyana,” the Ministry has shared.
