Medical equipment management practices in public health facilities in Uganda

Abstract

Effective management of medical equipment is vital for delivering high-quality healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings like Uganda, where challenges such as inconsistent maintenance, inadequate training, and budget constraints are common. This study evaluated the current management practices, identified key challenges, and proposed strategic interventions to enhance medical equipment management in Ugandan public health facilities. Conducted between April and June 2024, the research employed a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 65 participants and 12 key informants from five public health facilities, including regional referral hospitals and Health Center IVs. The study found that preventive maintenance, although routinely scheduled, is frequently poorly executed due to financial and logistical challenges. Corrective maintenance is mainly reactive, leading to increased equipment downtime and reduced healthcare efficiency. The lack of comprehensive training for biomedical engineers and the absence of a centralized equipment tracking system further complicate management efforts. Additionally, inconsistent stakeholder participation and severe budget constraints limit the ability to train staff and procure new or replacement equipment, while corruption obstructs the acquisition of necessary spare parts and new devices. The study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms, enhanced training programs, improved funding, and the implementation of centralized tracking systems to address these issues. Key recommendations include establishing a robust regulatory framework for equipment quality and maintenance, mandatory certification and continuous training for biomedical technicians, dedicated budget allocations, and the introduction of a digital inventory system. Promoting local innovation and fostering public-private partnerships are also suggested to reduce dependency on foreign technology and improve overall equipment management in Uganda's public health sector. Future research should explore the long-term effects of reforms, training effectiveness, and resource allocation in medical equipment management.