A two-year purchasing system versus a one-year purchasing system applied to medications public tenders in Jordan: A descriptive and cost-saving retrospective study

Pharmacy Practice

  • Dima AL-jakhim1Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Jordan.
  • Iman A. Basheti2Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordan., 3School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • Nizar Mahmoud Mhaidat4Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan., 5Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), Amman 11181, Jordan., 6Princess Basma Teaching Hospital, Irbid 22110, Jordan., 7Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK.
  • Eman ABU-GHARBIEH8Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates., 9Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
  • Faris El-Dahiyat10Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Volume 22 Issue 4 Pages 1-6

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2024.4.3006

Abstract

Background: Governments are concerned about medication costs and the availability of medications in healthcare systems. Medications shortages lead to added expenses, such as transportation costs and purchasing from a single supplier. No previous research has been conducted with the Jordanian Joint Procurement Department (JPD) to address this issue. Objective: This study aims to investigate Jordan's purchasing system and provide suggestions for improving medication availability, in particular, to reduce costs, stock-outs, and shortages of medications. This study compares the one-year purchasing versus the two-year purchasing system for public tender medications. Study design: The present study followed a retrospective study design, with questionnaires for validation and conduct. We also conducted a cost analysis to compare the savings of purchasing medications for one year with two years. Method: A 15-question questionnaire was meticulously created and extensively validated by experts in the field for both face and content validity. The questionnaire was then completed by pharmacists from the Jordan Food and Medication Association and JPD. Furthermore, statistical analytical methods were used to identify the most optimal cost-benefit scenario for medications. Results: In the survey, 81 pharmacists participated and shared their views on the purchasing system in the JPD. As per the majority of the participants (71.6%), the two-year purchasing system ensures the availability of medications and minimises stock-out situations compared with the one-year system. Additionally, 79.0% of the sample said that purchasing a larger quantity of medications is beneficial. The study findings showed that following the two-year purchasing system, a saving of 5,218,875.92 JD was achieved, which accounted for 2.5% of the total savings. Conclusion: This novel study captures pharmacists' views on JPD procurement systems, highlighting the cost benefits of the two-year model over the one-year model. It urges policymakers to shift, enhancing efficiency.

Keywords

  • procurement
  • cost analysis
  • purchasing
  • group purchasing
  • cost-benefit analysis
Pharmacy Practice

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