Drug Control Inventory (ABC-VED) Analysis of the Pharmacy at a Rural Primary Health Centre of Thane District, Maharashtra
Gaurav R. Naik, Vijaykumar Singh, Deepika M. SadawarteAbstract
Background:
Efficient inventory management is essential for ensuring uninterrupted drug availability and optimal utilization of limited healthcare resources. ABC-VED analysis is a widely used inventory control technique that classifies drugs according to annual expenditure and criticality. The present study was conducted to identify drugs requiring priority managerial control at a Rural Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Thane District, Maharashtra.
Methods:
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at a Rural PHC in Thane District, Maharashtra, using pharmacy records from the calendar year 2023. Data on all drugs utilized at the PHC, including quantity consumed and unit cost, were collected. ABC analysis categorized drugs according to annual drug expenditure, while VED analysis classified drugs based on their criticality as Vital, Essential, or Desirable. An ABC-VED matrix was subsequently prepared to identify managerial priority categories.
Results:
A total of 40 drugs with an annual drug expenditure of ₹193,784.4 were analyzed. ABC analysis showed that Category A (5 drugs): 69.5% of annual expenditure, Category B (7 drugs): -19.2%, and Category C (28 drugs): -11.3%. expenditure. VED analysis identified 15 Vital, 13 Essential, and 12 Desirable drugs. ABC-VED matrix analysis categorized 19 drugs into Category I, 12 drugs into Category II, and 9 drugs into Category III, indicating the need for stringent managerial control.
Conclusion:
ABC-VED analysis is an effective tool in drug inventory control at PHC pharmacies. It results in proper and optimal usage of resources, maintains adequate availability of essential drugs, ensures economic viability, and supports effective health care delivery.