Access to quality laboratory and medical imaging services is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, both communicable and non-communicable. However, the lack of well-maintained infrastructure, equipment, and skilled personnel has posed significant challenges in providing these essential services.
The HIV and COVID-19 pandemics have highlighted the need to strengthen health systems, especially in areas with limited resources. While progress has been made in increasing the availability of critical laboratory equipment, up to 40% of equipment is often out of service, which affects the delivery of reliable health services and patient outcomes.
The Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) understands the importance of these services and is committed to addressing the challenges faced by laboratories.
Tailored supply chain solutions
The implementation of major equipment like analyzers and medical imaging in low-resource settings is very challenging and needs to be adapted to the local situation.
PFSCM handles the sourcing, quality assurance, procurement, and delivery of essential health products, supporting clients throughout the entire supply chain process. PFSCM also provides advice and guidance on procurement, warranties, installation, and training to help manage specific risks.
Read more about PFSCM’s Malawi custom supply chain solution.
Procurement approaches and infrastructure considerations
The procurement process for products such as reagents and test kits is relatively straightforward. However, when it comes to acquiring major equipment like imaging machines, waste management systems, sequencing equipment, and analyzers, a more detailed approach is needed to ensure
that the right products and suppliers are identified to meet the specific needs and requirements of the local situation.
As part of the procurement process, careful consideration is given to equipment options, budgeting, training, warranties, maintenance, infrastructure, and supply chain management. When determining the most suitable procurement mode for molecular diagnostics, factors such as direct purchase, hybrid models, or all-inclusive rental and leasing agreements are carefully evaluated. Additionally, pre-installation and site preparation are meticulously planned, aligning the selected equipment requirements with the existing infrastructure conditions to identify necessary enhancements. Understanding the manufacturer’s site preparation guides is essential to ensuring seamless integration of the equipment into the existing infrastructure.
Solutions
- Follow national laboratory equipment policies
- Establish an in-house team to:
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- determine the correct equipment requirements
- create a plan of action for site preparation and procurement and
- ensure sustainable follow-up on the implementation.
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- Map the roles and responsibilities of the in-house team, supplier, procurement agent, and logistics partners.
- Do a needs assessment using a robust needs assessment tool.
- Determine the most suitable procurement mode (for molecular diagnostics): direct/outright purchase, hybrid or all-inclusive (rental and leasing agreement).
- Perform a pre-installation and site preparation. Based on the site assessment earlier performed, cross-check the selected equipment requirements with the current infrastructure conditions to identify if additional work needs to be performed.
- Read and understand the manufacturer’s site preparation guide(s).
- Work with the supplier and/or procurement agent, on a logistics plan to ensure:
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- the equipment can be delivered, offloaded and installed, and
- TTSPs like consumables can be properly managed to avoid stockouts or waste.
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PFSCM has developed a roadmap to standardize the planning and implementation of major equipment projects, particularly in the areas of medical digital imaging and laboratory equipment. This roadmap aims to enhance project implementation and overall value for money management by identifying stakeholders, outlining the process, and establishing a standard plan of action for implementation.
Learn more about PFSCM’s project-based procurement
In 2023, PFSCM oversaw the procurement, delivery, rollout, and implementation of several projects, including the rollout of x-ray machines in Pakistan, autoclaves in Zimbabwe, TB analyzers in Nigeria, sequencing analyzers in Vietnam, ultrasounds in Tanzania and CT scanners in Mozambique.
Read more about our project rollouts
- Supporting the MoH of Mozambique with the rollout of new CT scanners at multiple hospitals.
- Supporting Nigeria with the rollout of more than 100 HumaLoop T molecular analyzers for TB detection.
- Helping Pakistan strengthen its TB program through the procurement and delivery of medical imaging equipment.
- Holistic supply chain solution enables Malawi to acquire new specialized blood grouping machine.
- View our poster on Expanding Lab Infrastructure Sustainability.
In lab settings, it is crucial to ensure that major equipment is well-maintained. When procuring equipment, it is important to take a comprehensive approach. It is essential to consider adapting solutions to local contexts and customizing approaches to meet the specific needs of diverse communities. Investing in lab infrastructure will lead to improved health outcomes.