Summary

In this study session you have learned that:

1. Consumables and non-consumable equipment and supplies are provided for health facilities according to lists published by the local government or Ministry of Health.
2. Health facility staff are responsible for ensuring that non-consumable equipment (e.g. refrigerator, steriliser) is regularly maintained and that breakdowns are reported quickly.
3. Health facility staff are responsible for all aspects of the management of consumables, including ordering stocks to ensure essential services are maintained and to minimise wastage, recording when items are issued so that usage rates can be calculated, and ensuring correct storage to preserve the efficacy of drugs and other medications.
4. Effective stock control involves regular inspection of supplies and taking an inventory to detect any discrepancies between the expected stock levels and the actual stock levels. Reasons for any discrepancies should be investigated and corrective action should be taken.
5. Drugs and other medications should be used according to the FIFO (first-in, first-out) and FEFO (first expired, first-out) principles to avoid wastage.
6. Special attention should be given to stocking adequate supplies of life-saving drugs and intravenous fluids.
7. Health facility staff, volunteers and all patients and parents of child-patients should be educated about the standard treatment guidelines and how to take medications correctly.