Warehouse improvements in Rwanda yield results

The newly modernized operations at the Centrale d’Achate Medicaments Essentiels du Rwanda (CAMERWA), which operates the national medical stores and has sole responsibility for procurement, storage and distribution of ARVs in Rwanda, have been drawing attention. On February 7, 2008 George Lewis, Acting Head of Mission for USAID Rwanda paid a visit to CAMERWA to see the improvements that had been made possible by PEPFAR.

Last year, CAMERWA conducted a comprehensive restructuring of all warehouse management operations. SCMS provided technical assistance in warehouse best practices, redrafted standard operating procedures and reviewed the existing warehouse management software, introducing bar coding and stock management system. During the visit, CAMERWA showcased the newly introduced T-CARD system, an interim solution to manage stocks and aid in inventory management until a computerized warehouse solution is implemented. This makes stock replenishment and pick and pack faster and more effective. 

New shelving for the warehouse increased storage capacity by 64 percent, improving layout and product mapping. Accuracy of monthly reporting on stock levels and inventory is improving, alerting partners to potential stockouts before they occur. Monitoring and supervision of dispensing ARVs is more effective and customers are receiving ARVs in a timely manner.