Assessing the Effectiveness of Prime Vendor System for Public Health Performance; A Case of Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

Author

Praxedis Mbwasi


Abstract

 This study examined Effectiveness of Prime Vendor System for Public Health Performance in Iringa Municipality. Specifically, the study assessed the level of effectiveness of operational efficiency of the Prime Vendor System (PVS) in enhancing public health performance in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, involving 130 questionnaire respondents and 24 key informants, making a total sample of 154 participants. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and documentary review. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The reliability of the questionnaire was satisfactory, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.82. The findings indicated that the PVS had improved operational efficiency in public health facilities. Regarding order fulfilment, 66.1% of respondents agreed that orders placed through PVS were fulfilled completely, 62.3% indicated that partial deliveries were rare, and 70.0% agreed that the quantities requested matched those delivered. Regarding procurement delays, 71.6% agreed that PVS had minimized procurement delays, 66.9% reported that the time between placing orders and receiving supplies had decreased, while 70.8% indicated that administrative procedures had become faster under PVS. Key informants further confirmed that PVS had improved procurement responsiveness, supplier communication, order tracking, and delivery consistency, although occasional delays associated with supplier logistics and peak demand were reported. The study concludes that PVS has contributed to improved operational efficiency, particularly through timely procurement processes, better order fulfilment, and reduced procurement delays, thereby supporting the availability of medicines and medical supplies and the delivery of health services. The study recommends strengthening supplier performance monitoring, procurement planning, order tracking, contract compliance, communication, and supportive supervision to sustain and improve PVS performance.



Keywords

Prime Vendor System, operational efficiency, order fulfilment, procurement delays, timely delivery, public health performance, health facilities.



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