Managing the supply chain disruption of essential commodities supply in health care systems during emergency Lagos state, Nigeria

Abstract

2019 birthed the Coronavirus endemic in China and in 2020, it became an established pandemic across the world. While supply chain analysts had predicted a disruption to the flow of commodities across all sectors, curiosity and concern led us to study the effect of disruptions such as Covid-19 on the supply chain of essential commodities in Africa precisely Lagos, Nigeria. The two types of data sources utilized were; the primary source and secondary sources of data. The data collected was collated and analysed using 2016 Microsoft excel sheet and Statistical Products and Services Solution (SPSS 25.0.0.0) for data analysis. The interview with pharmaceuticals company representative, suggested hiccups in the distribution of vaccines by a major pharmaceutical company to their respective customers. The Covid-19 situation and the necessary lockdown in Lagos state caused a slight disruption in the availability and distribution of essential commodities across the state, the major issues were the lack of a means of accessing transportation to health care facilities and the increment in the price of medicines. While most pharmaceuticals and health service delivery points were not prepared to curb the impact of the emergency situation. In this regard, pharmaceutical companies should ensure flexibility in supply chain by creating supply chain emergency plans, the government should look into establishing a drug bank for essential commodities in the state, while last mile service deliveries should employ the use of telemedicine and patient home delivery services.