Analysis of Geriatrics patient's drugs inventory management in the Outpatients Pharmacy in a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal

Introduction: The pharmacy is one of the most extensively used therapeutic facilities of the hospital and one of the few areas where a large amount of money is spent on purchases on a recurring basis. This emphasizes the need for planning, designing and organizing the pharmacy in a manner that results in efficient clinical and administrative services. Aim:  Efficient supply of required Drugs for optimum patient satisfaction in elderly chronically ill patients Methodology: Multifactorial analysis by ABC, VED and FSN methodology was done in elderly patients attending Outpatient’s clinic with chronic illness for consultation and collecting medicines free of cost from Outpatient’s Pharmacy. Results: Multifactorial analysis of Drugs: Combination of ABC, VED, FSN analysis was done. AVF: 211 Drugs which consume 80% of Total Drug Expenditure, which may be narrowed  down to 44 Items in AVF group which need repeated order placements and close vigilance  to enhance clientele satisfaction. 43 Items were high cost vital and fast moving items. CVF and CVS: 60 Items which are low cost but critical mostly slow moving. CDN: Low cost, desirable but non-moving items at risk of expiry. Conclusion: Application of scientific inventory management tools for effective and efficient management of the pharmacy stores, efficient priority setting, decision making in purchase and distribution of specific items and close supervision on items belonging to important categories.