Perez, J. A. IV R. (2017). Establishment of a health supply chain management system to improve availability of essential medicines of the rural health unit and barangay health stations in San Gabriel, La Union (Unpublished master's thesis). Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Graduate School of Public and Development Management. Health Systems and Development. Batch 7 Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

This study is in line with the Philippine Health Agenda's (PHA) three desired final health outcomes. One of the processes included in the PHA is the establishment of an efficient supply chain management (SCM). This study adopts and attempts to measure on of the PHA's performance indicators - percent of public health facilities shocked with selected essential medicines. This case study investigates the existing SCM practices being utilized in the rural health unit (RHU) an d the desire to establish this system. Moreover, this paper explores specific strategies to improve availability of essential medicines in the barangay health stations (BHS). The methods utilized in the study were the administration of the Logistics Systems Assessment Tool (LSAT) questionnaire, assessment of availability of essential medicines at the BHS, and document review of health fund allocation and utilization. The results of the study showed lack of SCM practices, variable availability of medicines at the BHS, and underutilization of Philhealth funds. Systems and policy creation were put in place to ensure a functional SCM system. To institutionalize this initiative, a mandate from the local chief executive was made, creating the position of supply chair officer and supply chain committee. after the systems and policies were implemented, operational efficiency and data generation for decision-making were achieved, thus improving the availability of essential medicine, both in the rural health unit and barangay health stations.