Since 2022, PFSCM has been assisting the Ministry of Health of Mozambique (MoH) with the rollout of computed tomography (CT) equipment to strengthen medical imaging services in the country. According to the WHO, in 2020, there were 1.6 CT scanners per 10,000 cancer patients in Mozambique, which was below the median values of the WHO Africa Region1.
In 2022 and again in 2023, the MoH reaffirmed its commitment to increasing CT equipment infrastructure in the country and has been working towards having at least one CT scanner operational in each public hospital and two in each central hospital2.
In line with this strategic goal, the MoH ordered several CT scanners through The Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM). As a procurement services agent, PFSCM took a project-management approach to the rollout, covering all services from procurement planning for the proper selection of equipment and services, site assessments, delivery, and oversight of installation and training services.
Project planning started in 2022 when PFSCM worked closely with the MoH to understand their programmatic needs and ascertain the suitability of the planned installation sites. Site readiness is critical in project-based procurement, which entails the purchasing of equipment for a specific project over a predetermined period of time.
Shipping capital equipment to a country or facility where it cannot properly be received within a predefined timeframe may have severe repercussions, including financial losses, product damage, and the exhaustion of warranties. PFSCM works closely with suppliers, 3PLs and recipients to ensure readiness before goods are due to be delivered. PFSCM not only works with partners to inspect sites and make recommendations for improvements but also assists with infrastructure and civil works where needed, as well as international safety and security radiation protection. Through these value-added procurement agent services, PFSCM helps manage supply chain risks and educate partners to avoid common pitfalls.
Towards the end of 2022, PFSCM conducted site visits at four Mozambican hospitals to determine if minimum facility requirements for CT scanner services were in place, learn if any CT scanner facility renovations were underway, and understand the availability of human and other resources necessary for the successful implementation of the CT scanner project. These inspection activities are critical for risk mitigation and smooth supply chain execution.
PFSCM determined that two sites were ready to receive the equipment right away; one site was undergoing renovations, and for another, more extensive preparation was needed. With this information at hand, PFSCM was able to help the MoH track progress on the site preparation and plan for staggered deliveries and subsequent installation and training services.
In 2023, after extensive planning, four hospitals each received a new CT scanner.
The machines were Delivered to Place Unloaded by an authorized distributor.
Building a stronger health system together
Using these machines as complementary or alternative in tuberculosis (TB) screening will improve the screening capacity for TB, COVID-19, and other lung diseases, particularly cancer, providing additional information to substantiate diagnosis and treatment. By updating the physical infrastructure for patient care and auxiliary imaging diagnostics, district hospitals will be equipped to deal with a higher volume of outpatients and offer enhanced quality of care. Overall, this infrastructure expansion strategy will contribute to universal and equitable healthcare coverage at the district level and help mitigate the complications of TB’s impact on the National Health Service.
PFSCM applauds the MoH of Mozambique for their drive and commitment to preparing the CT scanner sites, continuing to train local medical specialists through various programs, and ensuring that all the ancillary project requirements, like network infrastructure, were arranged. Through partnerships like these, health supply chains are becoming stronger.
| Key considerations for the procurement and delivery of fixed medical imaging equipment:
CT scanners are complex equipment that needs careful site preparation prior to installation to avoid delays and unnecessary costs. Prior to the procurement process, an on-site inspection of the site is necessary to determine the state of readiness and ascertain if the necessary conditions for the installation of the CT equipment are met. Clients and their procurement services agents need to collaborate to fully understand the below aspects that may impact the long-term sustainability of equipment:
Site-preparation / readiness actions:
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References:
1. Oncology in Mozambique: Overview of the Diagnostic, Treatment, and Research Capacity
2. Mozambique: Each central hospital will have two CT scanners by 2023 – Watch