The influence of purchasing processes on drug production: a case study in an official public laboratory

Abstract

This study addresses the main aspects inherent in logistics, supply chain management and emphasizes the importance of the procurement function within organizations. In line with this theme, the study aimed to identify the influence of pharmaceutical procurement processes on the supply of drugs to the main client of anofficial public laboratory. To achieve this objective, a qualitative researchwas carried out using the case study method. The empirical unit of analysis chosen for the research was an official public laboratory responsible for the production of medicines available from the Unified Health System. Two data collection instruments were used: document analysis and interviews. The results indicated that the lead time of the pharmaceuticals procurement processes in the empirical unit of analysis is too long, due to the legal nature of the organization, the lack of synchronism between the various actors and activities involved in the process and due to the particularities of the object items. of acquisition. Added to these aspects is the fact that the production demand is passed on to the organization in a short time, which contributes to delays in the production and distribution of medicines.