CHISU launches first-ever digital health logistics system in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

CHISU partnered with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment (MOH) to conduct a user acceptance testing workshop for the country’s first integrated logistics information system from October 16–18, 2024, in Kingstown, SVG. Logixs, as the information system is known locally, is built in the open-source OpenLMIS system and aims to improve access to accurate, timely, and routine logistics management information system (LMIS) data and strengthen real-time logistics management capabilities that cover the country’s entire supply chain, from point of origin to point of consumption.

Designed to track and monitor the flow of medical commodities from central stores to district stores and health facilities, Logixs provides essential logistics information for users and managers of medical commodity distribution systems. It identifies health facilities that are over or understocked, reviews individual medical commodity consumption trends, projects procurement requirements, and supports the coordination of commodity deliveries. Logixs is expected to increase information sharing, reduce processing times, ensure data integrity, and inform supply chain decision-making through centralized data management. 

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During the workshop, the CHISU technical team presented the Logixs open-source system to a group of subject matter experts. These experts evaluated the system's functionality and provided essential feedback regarding its performance in areas such as inventory management and reporting. Workshop objectives included reviewing key supply chain concepts and validating critical processes to ensure that Logixs aligned with user needs before moving to the pilot phase. 

The crucial insights gained from the workshop allowed CHISU to tailor the system to local needs. For example, one adjustment involved creating additional forecasting reports that enable the country to use consumption history to inform accurate inventory quantification. This is a shift from past procurement processes that did not consider consumption data, leading to commodity wastage.  

After the user acceptance testing workshop, CHISU and the MOH organized a training session to help central medical store officers, logistics data officers, supply chain management associates, and other key stakeholders understand how to use the Logixs system.. The training focused on the proficient use of Logixs in line with the MOH's standard operating procedures.

To facilitate learning, the training involved a participatory methodology, incorporating presentations, group tasks, and role-play. Participants learned about the suite of electronic tools that support logistics management, Logixs functionality, and techniques for navigating and inputting data into the system. 

"(Logixs) will help us to be able to monitor the stock better," said a workshop participant. "We don't have to wonder: 'Do I have this? Do I need this?' The system is there."

The workshop and training played a key role in strengthening the digital health infrastructure in SVG, promoting effective logistics management, and, ultimately, improving health care delivery throughout the country. As a next step, trainers from the event, who are now superusers, will conduct a step-down training under CHISU’s supervision for health workers at the facility level. CHISU will also conduct another round of training for Level 1 and Level II users (system administrators) to ensure the country is well positioned for sustainable logistics management.