Establishing an inventory-based medical equipment management system in the public sector: an experience from Uganda

This article aims to share a practical experience of how to set up a simple framework for better medical equipment management at public hospitals and health centres in Uganda for the 2006-2009 period. Three steps approach was employed. At first, all available medical equipment was categorised in six operational conditions and that were indicated on the equipment by eye-catching colour coded stickers; from A to F. Secondary, based on the inventory from the first step, the requirements for maintaining the medical equipment were analyzed and the prioritised action plans were prepared within the available funds. Third, a simple reporting format was developed to enable the health facility managers to monitor and evaluate medical equipment management. As for the accountability, specific information and repair work done is detailed in the job card and summarized in the monthly/quarterly report which submitted to the health facilities and Ministry of Health. The stickers indicate updated operational conditions that draw users and managers attention. Inventory based medical equipment management improves the transparency and accountability regarding the maintenance jobs and the cost of expenditure and estimation. Action plan based on listed all requirements helps health facility managers to focus on priority services using the available resources more efficiently. This case study is value for health facility managers in public sector to put in place a cost effective planning with limited financial resources, especially in resource constrained settings.