Poor performance of medicines logistics and supply chain systems in a developing country context: lessons from Nigeria

Objectives Access to affordable quality essential medicines in developing countries like Nigeria continues to be a challenge despite interventions by relevant stakeholders. Inadequate management of the medicines supply chain is a major contributing factor. This study aims at identifying indicators for the poor supply chain management (SCM) for medicines in Nigeria. Methods Key findings Quantitative and qualitative data from logistics companies and pharmacists practicing in Nigeria were obtained and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis respectively. Logistics companies are not adequately equipped and no monitoring is in place to ensure that standards are set and followed. About 84% of logistics companies had no set of standard operating procedures for medicines logistics. About 37% are capable of providing cold chain logistics depending on the duration. There was no form of regulation enforcing standards for medicines logistics. Pharmacists' views suggest that poor logistics and SCM practices, weak regulation and policy implementation and lack of support for in-country medical logisticians are factors affecting efficient SCM of medicines. Conclusions Indicators for poor SCM of medicines were identified, hence, the need for establishing measures for improvement. Such measures may include more political will in implementing policies, financing SCM of medicines, building in-country skills and capacity in SCM of medicines, individualizing and segmenting medicines supply chains, and creating a regulatory body for certifying and professionalizing medical logistics companies, logisticians and supply chain managers in Nigeria. These may lead to better access to quality and affordable medicines.