Identifying inefficiencies in the South African primary healthcare supply chain

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to identify and investigate perceived inefficiencies within the primary healthcare supply chain. Taking into account the paramount role that primary healthcare facilities play in the South African healthcare industry, we deemed it a necessity to identify perceived inefficiencies and recommend the most effective course of action in order to correct these inefficiencies. Through a literature study that was conducted, a general investigation into the theoretical supply chain of primary healthcare facilities was commenced. The end result of the literature study was a consolidated theoretical primary healthcare supply chain that would form the basis of the analysis to be conducted later in the study. Once the literature study was completed, our efforts shifted towards an empirical study aimed at measuring the actual supply chain. The empirical study was based on two primary healthcare clinics in the Johannesburg region, namely: Siphumlile Clinic situated in Soweto and the Rex Street Clinic situated in Roodepoort. To add substance to the empirical study, a three perspective analysis was conducted that took the form of a questionnaire completed by the patients at the respective clinics, semi structured interviews with employees of the clinics and finally participant observations conducted by the researcher. These perspectives ultimately resulted in a holistic perspective on the actual supply chain as perceived by the relevant role players within the supply chain. It's important to note that the statistical information obtained via the completed questionnaires were analysed by the Statistical Consultation Services of the North-West University (Potchefstroom campus). Once the reliability and validity of the questionnaire had been determined, an in depth statistical analysis was commenced to identify certain aspects that haltered the overall efficiencies of the primary healthcare supply chain. The respective semi structured interviews, along with the participant observations and information obtained via the statistical analyses formed a solid foundation to identify the inefficiencies as perceived in the existing primary healthcare supply chain. The substantial amount of accurate information supported the study and its primary and secondary objectives immensely. The latter stages of the study focused efforts on the establishment of findings and viable recommendations that could resolve the perceived inefficiencies within the supply chain. The study concluded by summarising these findings and recommendations and proposing an effective way forward from a primary healthcare supply chain perspective.