Analysis of Drug Inventory Management at the Cinquantenaire Hospital in Kisangani, The Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Drugs management in healthcare facilities is a major challenge for ensuring patient safety and treatment effectiveness. This study highlighted the analysis of the drugs inventory management policy at the Cinquantenaire Hospital in Kisangani, identified the major challenges in drugs management, and determined how this policy is evaluated to ensure the stability of essential drugs.

Methods: We used a descriptive cross-sectional method based on the survey technique conducted at the Cinquantenaire Hospital in Kisangani from January 1 to March 31, 2025, during which 30 hospital staff members were selected to participate in the survey. This was a non-probability, purposive sample. 

Results: Based on the evaluation of the drugs management policy, 40.0% of study participants believe that drugs management at the Cinquantenaire Hospital in Kisangani is ineffective, followed by 60.0% who believe that the facility experiences drugs stockouts as a management challenge. Problems related to drugs supply include stockouts (40.0%), lack of partner support (27.0%), insufficient financial resources (20.0%), and a lack of cold chain equipment (13.0%).

Conclusion: To improve drugs management in a healthcare facility, it is essential to implement the drugs management policy in force in our country, organize and increase training sessions for providers and other users of drugs in healthcare facilities, and ensure compliance with the inventory and verification period for drugs.