Maseru-The health sector relies heavily on an efficient and resilient supply chain to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines, medical equipment and other critical health supplies.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has validated a supply strategic plan ( 2019-20-2022-2023 on Wednesday 2024 for better health outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Principal Secretary , Mats’oanelo Monyooe said the supply chain strategic plan is crucial to align with national health goals, address existing gaps and ensure Sustainable delivery of health services.
She indicated that there is a need for a robust supply chain as Lesotho faces several Challenges which includes (remote geographical locations, limited infrastructure and resource constraints)
Adding, that the factors make it extremely difficult to maintain a consistent and efficient supply chain for health care services.
“over the years frequent stockout, delayed deliveries, and inadequate distribution systems have impacted the availability of critical health supplies,” she stressed
Monyooe said the validation process comes at a very critical time as the Minister has declared MPOX as an emerging disease that affects all nations.
“The validation of supply chain strategy allows the ministry to incorporate contigency plans, built resilience and ensuring that health services remain operational during crises,” she commended
She furthered that; supply chain strategy also provides a transparent framework for resource allocation and decision making, reducing the risk of inefficiencies and mismanagement.
Taking us to Lesotho Supply Chain Strategy Plan Mr. TumeloMothebe indicated that some progress has been made to the lapsed strategic plan and some are still pending however the 2019-20 to 2022-23 address continued issues and tackle new and emerging challenges.
He said the plan will last for five years (2024-25-2028 -2029)adding that an extensive assessment was made which included data gathering, engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including staff from supply Chain Management Department (SCMD) and other MOH entities.
“The national strategy will serve as a compass offering clear direction and prioritization for SCMD to realize it’s mandate and accelarate progress towards achieving MOH results as outlined in National Health Policy and the National Health Strategic plan.
Once validated it will serve as roadmap to improve availability of essential medicines and health commodities at all levels of Health care system, enhanced data management and reporting systems for better decision-making.
“ We will focus on coordination, collaboration, innovation, transparency and Sustainable go drive supply chain improvements,” he informed
Mothebe said SCMD should adapt it’s operating model and drive internal change across it’s core capabilities alongside other organisational elements to achieve the supply chain objectiveswhich includes:
“Enhance and adopt information communication, establish a supply chain resilience and preparedness mechanism, efficient responsive, resilient and reliable logistics system,” he listed
Representing the UNFPA, Mr. Innocent Modisaotsilecommended the ministry for taking a significant step in validating it’s supply chain.
He added that Lesotho is poised to overcome it’s health supply chain challenges and improve heath outcomes across the country.
Ministry of health with support from international partners has implemented programs aimed at increasing access to family planning services more especially for women in rural areas.
“Various contraceptives are available at all health centers, clinics, hospitals while some organisation offers them in remote areas,” he said
Moreover, the health supply chain is essential for building a resilient and efficient supply chain that can deliver consistent and equitable health care to all citizen’s regardless of location.
