Rwanda Medical Supply Ltd: Insights from Stakeholder Engagement in Tackling Healthcare Supply Chain Challenges

We recently conducted a series of five stakeholder engagement meetings across Rwanda, gathering healthcare professionals, administrators, policymakers, and community leaders in Kigali and the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western provinces.

These consultations were aimed at addressing systemic challenges within the healthcare supply chain and identifying actionable solutions.
 
The consultations underscored the value of inclusive dialogue. By bringing diverse stakeholders together, RMS gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by health facilities. For instance, participants shed light on financial constraints, staff shortages, infrastructure gaps, and logistical inefficiencies that collectively hinder service delivery.
This collective input provided a foundation for crafting targeted solutions that address both immediate needs and systemic barriers.
 
Engaging stakeholders fostered a sense of ownership and accountability among participants. Policymakers and healthcare leaders felt empowered to propose solutions, while RMS demonstrated its commitment to addressing shared concerns. For example, discussions around outstanding debts led to collaborative recommendations for streamlining payments and improving financial accountability.
 
Local-level insights proved invaluable. Participants highlighted challenges unique to their regions, such as remote facilities struggling with poor road access or health posts (HPs) excluded from distribution schedules. These discussions prompted actionable recommendations tailored to specific contexts, such as leveraging community initiatives like Umuganda to address infrastructure challenges.
 
Recurrent issues with data accuracy in the electronic Logistics Management Information System (e-LMIS) revealed the critical role of reliable data in supply chain management. Stakeholders emphasized the need for regular training and improved system interoperability to enhance forecasting, order management, and decision-making.
 
Delays in emergency orders and stockouts of essential commodities like malaria treatments highlighted the importance of efficient logistics. Stakeholders advocated for streamlined processes and enhanced communication to ensure timely deliveries, particularly in emergencies.
 
RMS’s stakeholder engagement underscored that tackling complex healthcare challenges demands collaboration. By fostering dialogue, these consultations uncovered grassroots issues often overlooked, such as high staff turnover in pharmacy departments and inadequate training on health commodity management. This collaborative approach also enabled the co-creation of practical solutions, like tangible insights on improving deliveries. Moreover, the process strengthened long-term partnerships, laying a foundation for sustained collaboration and shared responsibility in building a more resilient healthcare system.
 
By holding these engagement meetings, RMS demonstrated its commitment to building a more resilient and efficient healthcare system. The initiative underscored the importance of continuous dialogue, collaboration, and shared accountability in overcoming complex healthcare challenges. These lessons have laid the foundation for future improvements, ensuring that health commodities reach all Rwandans effectively and equitably.