Factors affecting drug, medical supplies, personal protective equipment efficiency management for COVID-19 response, Ministry of Public Health

Abstract

This research aimed to study factors that affected drug, medical supplies, personal protective equipment efficiency management for COVID-19 response activities. This research aimed to analyze new interventions which could solve the current problems and determine approaches to developing the guidelines to support the next phase of pandemic. This study was qualitative research. Twenty participants from the Department of Disease Control (DDC), 12 Regional Offices of Disease Prevention and Control (ODPCs) across the country, and the Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention (IUDC) were selected as the representative of this study. Data were collected by using document review and analysis and in-depth interview. The results indicated that the establishment of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in both Department of Disease Control and Ministry of Public Health had increased coverage and access of medical supplies to target groups and reduced medical supplies shortages. The procurement process was found to be most effective and appropriate when complying with Article 79, Paragraph 2 under the Government Procurement and Supplies Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017). Medical supplies frequently facing shortages were medical face masks, N95 respirators, personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic materials for sample collection, and 70% alcohol gel. Supportive policies implemented by relevant stakeholders from inside and outside of the Ministry of Public Health, such as Thailand Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA), Department of Internal Trade, Comptroller General’s Department, Ministry of Finance, and Customs Department, contributed significantly to increased efficiency of the procurement processes. The budget was continuously allocated through normal annual budget appropriations in the first phase and emergency budget in the next phase of pandemic. The budget allocation should be continued until pandemic is over or when COVID-19 has become endemic disease. Both Viral Pneumonia and Co-Ward databases, maintained by Department of Disease Control and Ministry of Public Health, respectively, could increase effective inventory management in support of COVID-19 response efforts. Conclusion: The existence of functional EOCs, supportive policies for successful operations, sufficient funding, and efficient, real-time information system were the important factors affecting drug, medical supplies, personal protective equipment efficiency management for COVID-19 response activities implemented by Ministry of Public Health.