Assessment of Drug Procurement Practices and Their Impact on Essential Medicine Availability in Kwara State Public Hospitals

Background: Efficient drug procurement is a foundation of medicine availability in public health systems. Poorly managed procurement leads to stockouts, expired medicines, and financial waste. In Kwara State, the transition between centralised and decentralised procurement models has created variability in medicine availability across facilities. This study assessed drug procurement practices and their impact on essential medicine availability in Kwara State public hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional facility assessment was conducted in twelve public hospitals including one federal, three state, and eight general hospitals in Kwara State. Procurement documentation, stock records, and medicine availability checklists were reviewed. Hospital administrators and store pharmacists (n = 30) were interviewed on procurement process adherence and challenges. Results: Essential medicine stockout rates in the three months preceding the study ranged from 24 to 67 percent across facilities. Procurement without quantification planning was observed in 58 percent of facilities. Lead time between order and delivery exceeded eight weeks in 44 percent of procurement cycles. Emergency procurement purchases at non-negotiated rates were common in seven facilities. Conclusion: Drug procurement deficiencies significantly compromise essential medicine availability in Kwara State public hospitals. Standardised quantification tools, framework contracts, and real-time inventory systems should be institutionalised. Keywords: drug procurement, essential medicines, Kwara State, stockouts, pharmaceutical supply chain