The Effect of Inventory Control on Patients with Acute and Chronic Illness during Pre, Peri and Post COVID-19 Pandemic in India

Aim: To determine the effect of inventory control protocols on patient's health management systems during the pre; peri and post COVID – 19 pandemic in India.

Study Design: An analytical observation type of study.

Place and Duration of Study: A tertiary care hospital, between June 2020 to November 2022.

Methodology: We collected the stock movement data of 10 brand drugs that include Acute disease medications and Chronic condition medication, from hospital pharmacy, at pre, peri & post-COVID times. These drugs were selected for their common usage. The study of inventory based on data collected, will show how the pharmacy managed its inventory during the pandemic era. The pharmacy practised the collaborative method of ABC – FSN inventory method to meet demands and the same has continued during COVID-19.

Results: Data collected on 5 drugs for acute diseases showed an average percentage increase of 62.33% in drug consumption between the pre and post-COVID period whereas the 5 drugs for chronic conditions show an increase of 86.39%. The hospital pharmacy managed the high range of demand with the successful model of inventory control. It is evidence of the successful use of ABC – FSN analysis in the hospital sector during the pandemic (COVID-19).

Conclusion: The study concluded that the ABC – FSN inventory approach was helpful during the pandemic and concentrates mainly on the effect of inventory control on patients with chronic and acute diseases.