CASE: Health Centre Kits to Zambia

Africa is on the rise and so is Zambia. Since 1997, Missionpharma has been Zambia’s preferred supplier of Health Centre Kits developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The kits have ensured that millions of people have access to necessary medicine.

’We have come a long way together,’ says Mr. Clement Mulenga Andala, Partner and Pharmacist at Missionpharma. ‘Over the years, we have built efficient procedures for providing the Health Centre Kits in a safe, effective and affordable manner. Countries working to provide quality healthcare often face bottlenecks in keeping remote health clinics stocked with essential medicines. It takes expert knowledge to handle the complexity of forecasting, distributing and handling the kits in a country like Zambia,’ he continues. ‘We are proud to take an active part in raising the bar in healthcare in Zambia.’

ABOUT HEALTH CENTRE KITS
One Health Centre Kit contains 60 different pharmaceutical products and consumables – enough to supply 1,000 people’s general medical needs for one month. The kits have proven to be an effective solution to healthcare challenges, as they ensure that the right products are available in the right quantities at the right time. In addition, the kits facilitate the improved planning, procurement, in-country distribution and on-site handling of essential drugs.

Thinking ahead is key when it comes to ensuring supplies. Forecasting procurement of medical supplies is a challenge in most countries. Zambia is no exception. Missionpharma’s Health Centre Kits work as an easily countable unit, as the kits are specifically designed and ready-packed with pharmaceutical products to cover basic healthcare needs in the country. As a result, kit supplies make forecasting and procurement significantly easier for the Ministry of Health.

making forecasting and procurement easier

Missionpharma’s Health Centre Kits work as an easily countable unit, as the kits are specifically designed and ready-packed with pharmaceutical products to cover basic healthcare needs in the country. As a result, kit supplies make forecasting and procurement significantly easier for the Ministry of Health.

‘The local health centres are often located in rural areas with very poor road networks, and the weather often makes transportation challenging’ says Ms. Talitha Hogebrug, part of the management team. Therefore, the kits must be optimally designed and packed to resist heat, humidity and rough conditions. Missionpharma’s kits are packed in specially designed five-ply cartons, which are resistant to rough handling. The cartons are equipped with a strong plastic inner lining to protect the contents against moisture and water damage.

Health Centre Kit 2

‘Over the years, we have developed practical solutions to many of the challenges we face when handling the kits,’ Ms. Hogebrug explains. ‘Rural health centres often lack the machinery, such as forklifts and pallets, necessary for handling the kits. The kits are therefore designed with strong handles to facilitate handling by the local workforce: a simple yet very efficient feature.’ Complete consignee details, unique carton numbers and packing lists containing complete product and batch information further facilitate optimal handling conditions.

Being able to make a real difference requires the coordination of a large number of elements – from working with the government to finding simple solutions to very practical challenges. ‘We are proud to say that our work in Zambia is a model of good practice in this regard,’ concludes Mr. Clement Mulenga Andala.

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