An Assessment Of The Contribution Of Prime Vendor Model On Availability Of Essential Medicines In Tanzania

This study is premised on the contribution of the prime vendor model on availability of essential medicines in Tanzania. The main focus of the study was to assess the contribution of PVM in improving availability of essential medicines and medical supplies through private-public mix system. Specific objectives were centered on the contribution of Prime Vendor model in curbing drug stock outs at the health facilities, finding out the number of orders fulfilled at the health facilities through Prime Vendor model and assessing the effectiveness of prime vendor model in minimizing essential medicine order turnaround time in Tanzania.The study methodology employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample covered a total of 8 vendors in Dar es Salaam and involved a regression analysis approach, where the dependent variable was drug and medical supply, while the independent variables were; information sharing, delivery time and order fulfilment. The analysis wa done using SPSS package, a regression analysis was done to arrive at the findings. The study analysis indicated that, first; the contribution of prime vendor model in curbing drugs and medicines stock-out is fairly small; respondents with (57.1%) indicate that the model was not performing well in reducing stock outs. Second; sourcing commodities through PVM has an average performance in general. Third; Contrary to the previous general supply of drugs and medicines, the model seems to be successful in dealing with minimization of essential medicine order turnaround time. Despite the model’s moderate performance the findings indicate that other factors need to be taken on board when judging the performance of a particular model, but as well a holistic view of the problem need to be employed in analysing the problem