Provincial infrastructure supply chain management at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg academic hospital

Abstract

This study delved into the challenges faced by the health infrastructure Supply Chain Management (SCM) within the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID), with a specific focus on the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). SCM has attracted the interest of numerous academics in recent years and has played a key role in business efficiency. However, limited studies have fo-cussed on public health infrastructure SCM. In this regard, this study investigated the health infrastructure SCM experiences within the GDID to determine its efficiency and effectiveness. The findings of this study are based on information gathered through qualitative research with a case study design. The purposive sample used in the study, includes 5 public officials from GDID. This target population was better posi-tioned to provide their perspectives on SCM processes. Data was collected using both primary (Semi-structured interviews) and secondary sources, and the study em-ployed thematic data analysis for analysing the data. The study revealed that even with the push to equip professionals with vital skills and knowledge, implementing SCM continues to pose a significant challenge, and the level of satisfaction with SCM implementation in many government organisations are below expectations. The study also uncovered that hospital infrastructure in South Africa has a shorter design lifespan compared to new constructions, and maintenance practices exhibit higher emissions values than new constructions. The study recommends that fundamental institutional reforms will need to be put in place in order to overcome health infrastructure supply chain management shortcomings and realise the goals of efficient healthcare delivery. In order for the government to provide the community with the necessary level and quantity of services, these changes must support effective and efficient systems and procedures for provisioning and procurement. Furthermore, qualified SCM practitioners should be employed, this will ensure that the right personnel are in the right place at the right time.