Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Human Resource Capacity and Training Needs Assessment of Pharmacists in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Logistics and supply chain management have received global attention since the early 1980s, but this concept is thought to still be unpopular in Nigeria as very little literature exists on it, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. This paper, therefore set out to investigate the human resource capacity and the needs assessment of pharmacists in Nigeria as regards logistics and supply chain management. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists in Nigeria. A total of 873 pharmacists participated in the study. A well-structured questionnaire was produced, validated, and administered to the registered pharmacists. Results: Out of the 873 retrieved questionnaires, 21 copies were not completely filled and were therefore discarded; hence the 852 completely filled questionnaires were taken as the number of participants in the study. The survey shows that out of the 51.76% pharmacists who have acquired trainings, 18.2% were exposed to supply chain management by virtue of their workplace, while 30.9% were self-trained through conferences and workshops. Also, 98.8% of the respondents were ready to be trained in this emerging field in Nigeria, with only 1.2% declining any interest in supply chain management training. Conclusion: These findings show that there is a low provision for proactive education on supply chain management for pharmacists. However, there is a promising opportunity to introduce such training as the majority of the respondents were receptive to such an innovation. This study may, therefore be useful for policymakers and health professionals to chart the path for the future to ensure adequate and proper delivery of medicines and other health commodities.