Launch of Web-based Procurement and Logistics Management Tools in Bangladesh

At the launching ceremony of the new Supply Chain Information Portal (SCIP), the Bangladeshi Health Minister, Professor Dr. A. F. M. Ruhal Haque, and USAID Mission Director to Bangladesh, Ms. Denise Rollins, jointly introduced the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP)’s new Web-based Procurement and Logistics Management Tools on February 15, 2011 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka. MSH’s USAID-funded Strengthening Pharmaceutical Systems (SPS) Program has been assisting the government of Bangladesh to plan, implement, monitor and provide training to DGFP staff to make the updated information system operable. The program aims to ensure that contraceptives are available throughout the year at both government sources and in the NGO clinics.

SCIP is the main entry point from which a set of web-based tools can be accessed by the DGFP as well as registered public users and include a Procurement Tracker; Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) and the Supply Chain Discussion Board; Monthly Stock Status report; and Operation status of DGFP facility based tools – Upazila Inventory Management System (UIMS) and Warehouse Inventory Management System (WIMS).

The SCIP also provides information on current DGFP tenders and procurement opportunities, tender documentation, results of past tenders, a news page and a photo gallery.

The web-based Procurement Tracker will allow Bangladesh government officials to track the status procurement packages’ every step of the way and ensure the packages’ smooth progress. This will allow for efficient and effective procurement management at the central level while also promoting transparency in procuring commodities.

The web-based LMIS will provide information on nationwide stock status of the government-owned contraceptives and raise an alert if there is a possibility of stock shortage at any level. LMIS will also help to determine the amount of required contraceptives for Bangladesh and assist the government in making evidence-based decisions to procure contraceptives.

The event was organized by Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP) supported by USAID funded program SPS and implemented by MSH.