Pharmaceutical supply chain network in Ghana
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Date
2008-08-17
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Abstract
Pharmaceutical supply chain network basically means the route through which pharmaceuticals are distributed from manufacture, until it gets to the final consumers. The competitive nature of the pharmaceutical industry suggests that those who are able to apply supply chain principles to their business activities are likely to beat their competitors.
The nature of pharmaceuticals makes it important for special attention to be given to it. It is in this light that government has entrusted the production and distribution of these products into the hands of specially trained people.
However there is evidence of increasing level of counterfeit pharmaceutical in Ghana and other parts of the world.
This study seeks to analyze the path or route through which pharmaceuticals are distributed from manufacture, until it gets the final consumer and make recommendations to the distributors, government and regulatory authorities. Questionnaire and interviews were used as the main method of data collection. Other documents obtained from the Pharmacy council were also used as source of data. The total population for the study was all the pharmaceutical distribution outlets in Ghana. A sample size of 40 outlets was chosen for the study. The main findings arrived at indicated that manufactures of pharmaceuticals supply to wholesale pharmacies, who intend supply to medical stores, retail pharmacies, licensed chemical sellers and health institutions, who also supplies to the consumers. Sales promotion was found to have been integrated in some cases. Informal importation was also found to exist in Ghana.
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A Thesis submitted to the School of Business, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration, 2008