AFRICA INLAND CHURCH TANZANIA

KOLANDOTO COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE TRAININGS
FIELD WORK PRACTICE ATTACHMENT REPORT.

MODULE NAME: PHARMACY PRACTICE

MODULE CODE: PST05211

FIELD STATION: SHINYANGA MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL

TIME FRAME: 24th MARCH TO 3rd MAY

PREPARED BY: REBECCA MSEMO

REGISTRATION NO: NS.1091/0099/2011

NAME OF FACILITY SUPERVISOR: PHARM. SELEMAN HAMZA

NAME OF COLLEGE SUPERVISOR: PHARM. ESTHER HAULE

As partial fulfillment of the requirement of Technician Certificate of

Pharmaceutical Sciences by NACTE Academic year 2025
Table of Contents
2.0 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS...............................................................................................iii
3.0. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...................................................................................................iv
4.0. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 1
4.1. Aim of the attachment...................................................................................................... 1
4.2. Area of the attachment..................................................................................................... 1
4.3. Duration of attachment.................................................................................................... 1
4.4. A summary of practical learning outcomes....................................................................1
5.0 MAIN BODY..........................................................................................................................2
5.1. The use of formula in the preparation of pharmaceutical products.............................2
5.2. Organization of Health-Related Data Using Computer Packages................................4
5.3. The Use of MTUHA Databases in Capturing and Managing Pharmaceutical Data. . .6
5.4. To report and present health-related information using computer packages..............9
5.5. The Use of Computer Applications for Data Backup, Information Searching, and
Learning................................................................................................................................... 9
5.6. To use computer packages in ordering, invoicing, dispensing, selling and inventory
management........................................................................................................................... 10
5.7. The use of networking programs in disseminating pharmaceutical information......12
5.8. performing simple data analysis using MTUHA database..........................................13
5.9. Describing the components of integrated logistic system.............................................16
5.10. management of pharmaceutical information in vertical programs...........................17
5.11. Analysis of health-related data using computer packages.........................................18
6.0. CONCLUSION................................................................................................................... 21
7.0. RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................................................23
8.0. BIBLIOGRAPHY...............................................................................................................24

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1; AUTOCLAVE MACHINE............................................................................................3
Figure 2; EXAMPLE OF TABULATED HEALTH RECORDED DATA...................................5
Figure 3; EXAMPLE OF CHART.................................................................................................6
Figure 4; THE DHIS 2 APPLICATION......................................................................................10
Figure 5; GoT-HoMIS system..................................................................................................... 13
Figure 6; DHIS 2 DATA VISUALIZATION..............................................................................15
Figure 7; DHIS 2 FEATURES.................................................................................................... 20
Figure 8; Different report options available in DHIS 2................................................................20

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2.0 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
HIS: Health Information System
CTC: Care Treatment Clinic
OPD: Out Patients Department
IPD: In Patients Department
NHIF: National Hospital Insurance Fund
PAS: Patients’ Administration System
HRMIS: Human Resource Management Information System
QA: Quality Assurance
HISP: Health Information Systems Program
MSD: Medical store department
MEMS: Mission for essential medicine and medical supplies
ILS; Integrated logistics system
Elms: Electronic Logistics Management System
GRN: Goods receiving note
MTUHA: Mfumo Wa Taarifa Za Uendeshaji Wa Huduma Za Afya
MOH: Ministry of Health

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 3.0. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all I would like to express my sincere thanks to GOD for his grace and blessings upon on
me during my field work from the beginning to the end. I would like to thank administration of
KOLANDOTO COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCE (KCHS) Starting with
principle Mr. SHILUKA /Academic master EANY And supervisor Madam ESTHER HAULE
for their concerning by learning, arranging and giving us a knowledge on how to conduct
fieldwork practice.
Also I extend my appreciation and thanks to the Administration and leadership of SHINYANGA
MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL, Especially Hospital pharmacy staff who where very closed to us all
time of field practice and ready to help us. Mr. Hamza as hospital chief pharmacist and Mr.
Omary as in-charge of infusion unit and Mr. Maximillian as in-charge of Care and Treatment
Clinic (CTC)
Finally I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow students who undertook their field
practice at Shinyanga Municipal Hospital for their cooperation showed to me all the time that
were at the hospital.

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 4.0. INTRODUCTION

This field work conducted at Shinyanga municipal hospital is an integral part of the Diploma in
Pharmaceutical Sciences program, aimed at equipping students with practical experience in
pharmacy practice. It is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and real-life
application of knowledge in a healthcare environment.

4.1. Aim of the attachment

This field work designed to provide students with practical exposure to real-world
pharmaceutical environments, helping them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the
classroom. The main aim of this attachment was to enhance my professional competence by
allowing me to engage directly with pharmaceutical services and health data management
practices within a hospital setting.

4.2. Area of the attachment

This fieldwork was conducted at Shinyanga Municipal Hospital, located in Shinyanga Region,
Tanzania. Shinyanga Municipal Hospital is a government-run health facility serving as a referral
center for the municipal and surrounding areas. It provides a wide range of medical services
including outpatient care, inpatient treatment, maternal and child health services, laboratory
diagnostics, and pharmaceutical services. The hospital pharmacy plays a critical role in
managing medicine supply, compounding, dispensing, inventory control, and reporting using
both manual and electronic systems.

4.3. Duration of attachment

The duration of the attachment was one months, from March to April 2025. During this time, I
was placed in the pharmaceutical sciences related departments and other supporting units where I
acquired practical knowledge and experience in those areas.

4.4. A summary of practical learning outcomes

During my field work I acquired knowledge and practical experiences in the areas such as
Preparation of Pharmaceutical Products Using Formula, Organization of Health-Related Data
Using Computer Packages, Use of MTUHA Database for Data Management, Reporting and
Presenting Health Information Using Computer Applications, Use of Computer Applications for
Backup, Information Search, and Learning, Ordering, Invoicing, Dispensing, and Inventory
Management Using Software, Networking for Dissemination of Pharmaceutical Information,
Data Analysis and Trend Identification Using HMIS, LMIS, and DHIS2, Understanding the
Integrated Logistic System (ILS), Management of Pharmaceutical Information in Vertical
Programs and Analysis of Health Data Using Computer Software.

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 5.0 MAIN BODY

5.1. The use of formula in the preparation of pharmaceutical products

Pharmaceutical compounding; Is the process of combining therapeutically active ingredients

with pharmaceutical materials in preparation of prescriptions and medication orders to meet the
specific needs of individual patients. The main purpose of it was to provide a product with more
acceptable organoleptic properties e.g. taste to a paediatric patient, to prepare a different dosage
form e.g. a liquid than a commercially available product e.g. a tablet to meet the requirement of a
patient unable to swallow the existing dosage form e.g. paediatric or elderly patient. During my
field work at Shinyanga municipal hospital I get used to learn about the following;

Constitution of Dry Powders

Drugs such as antibiotics lose their potency in short time when prepared in liquid dosage form.
To prevent this and enhance their shelf-life, these drugs are prepared in dry powder form for
constitution with purified water or special diluent at the time a prescription is received. During
my field work I practically learn more on compounding and reconstitution of oral powdered
medicines example ampicillin dry powder for reconstitution. The dry powders for reconstitution
are packaged in self-contained bottles of sufficient size to accommodate the addition of the
required volume of diluent. Contents of the dry powder include, Therapeutic agent and
Excipients such as solubizing agents, suspending agents, stabilizers, colorants, sweeteners,
flavorants.

Instructions for reconstitution are normally found on manufacturers package or insert. A proper
amount of purified water or other diluent is added into the powder to prepare a solution or a
suspension. The final volume of the product is the sum of the volume of solvent or diluent added
and the volume occupied by the dissolved or suspended powder

Constitution of Dry Powders for Parenteral Solution

During my field work I learned practically that Instability in liquid form requires some
medications especially antibiotics to be prepared as dry powders in vials to be reconstituted with
sterile water for injection or other specified solvent or diluent immediately before use. Such
drugs are usually small volume injections for (bolus) injection or as additives to large volume
parenteral.

Compounding of sterile intravenous infusions

Intravenous infusions are sterile, aqueous preparations administered intravenously in relatively
large volume. They are used to extend blood volume or to provide electrolytes, nutrients or
medications. These preparations were prepared in a special intravenous infusions room that
prepared to ensure the sterility of intravenous pharmaceutical products. Examples of intravenous
infusions includes, sodium chloride (0.9%), dextrose solution (5%), Ringer’s lactate solution
(RL).

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During the preparations of these sterile products, specific procedures following the Tanzania
pharmaceutical handbook (TPH) was employed. The use of reverse osmosis machine and
autoclave were used to ensure purity and sterility respectively.

Figure 1; AUTOCLAVE MACHINE

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5.2. Organization of Health-Related Data Using Computer Packages

During my field work I was get exposed to learn the concepts of electronic data storage and
arrangement, electronic filing and application of security to electronic data and some various
methods of summarizing data.

The concept of electronic data storage and arrangement.

Electronic data storage is the means of storing soft data information in given format like Music,
Video, Document or Pictures in a device which could be a flash disk or rather a hard disk drive.
Electronic data storage requires electrical power to store and retrieve data. Computer data storage
is one of the core functions of a general-purpose of a computer. Three common types data
storage are: hard drive, USB flash drive and memory card;

Hard drive (HD); The hard drive is a non-volatile memory hardware device that permanently
stores and retrieves data on a computer.

USB flash drive; A USB flash drive is a device used for data storage that includes a flash
memory and an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.

Memory card; A memory card is a type of storage device that is used for storing media and data
files. It provides a permanent and non-volatile medium to store data and files from the attached
device.

All these kinds of data storage have been utilized in health care system for electronic data storage
as well as backup storage in case of original data loss.

Electronic filing and application of security to electronic data

The filling systems used for storage of health-related data including; paper-based system, hybrid
system and electronic based system. The paper-based system normally used tangible written
papers in filling the health-related data. Electronic based system, employ the use of computer in
filling the information. The paperwork files can be scanned and stored electronically. Lastly the
hybrid system this involves utilization of paper-based system and scanned document for
electronic data storage.

Application of security to electronic data

There are several ways to improve electronic patient data security such as security risk
assessment, encryption of data, to control system access, authenticate users, use and scan audit
logs and backup data off site. All these methods have been utilized in Tanzania healthcare
system in various healthcare facilities including Shinyanga municipal hospital to ensure safety of
health recorded data.

Methods of summarizing data

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Table, Graph and charts are commonly used in presenting and summarizing data

Table (Tabulation); is the process of placing classified data into tabular form also known as
tabulation. A table is a symmetric arrangement of statistical data in rows and columns

Figure 2; EXAMPLE OF TABULATED HEALTH RECORDED DATA

GRAPHS AND CHARTS

Graphical data presentation employs the use of graphs such as line graphs, while charts involves
the use of methods such as simple bar chart, multiple bar chart, pie charts and many others. All
these methods serve as important tools in data presentation for health-related data.

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Figure 3; EXAMPLE OF CHART
5.3. The Use of MTUHA Databases in Capturing and Managing Pharmaceutical Data

During the field work at Shinyanga municipal hospital, one of the important subjects that I
learned was about HIMS/ MTUHA. It was the key important task I learned about during the
whole time of my field work.
MTUHA stands for “Mfumo Wa Taarifa za Uendeshaji wa Huduma za Afya” which translates to
Health management information system (HIMS) in English.
It is a standard national system used in Tanzania for collecting, recording, analyzing and
reporting health related data across health facilities. MTUHA includes various registers and
reporting forms that captures data on service delivery, medicine consumption, morbidity and
mortality, and human resource activities. In the context of pharmaceutical services MTUHA
helps in tracking the number and types of prescriptions dispensed, monitoring stock levels and
usage trends, supporting planning and decision making for procurement and distribution and
providing data for national health statistics. In general, MTUHA plays a vital role I ensuring
transparency, accountability and efficiency management of health services in both public and
private sectors.
Health Management Information System (HMIS) was designed to collect facility-based health
and health related data, store and retrieve for data analysis to produce report which in turn inform
service providers, health managers, decision markers/policy makers and the public to make
informed decision on health planning, monitoring and evaluation and provision of services at all
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levels of health care delivery. In order to access HIMS/MTUHA, District Health Information
Software (DHIS 2) is a platform or the Web-based application that use web-browser on access to
collect, analyses and report data.
The major objective of HMIS is to enable everyone involved in the health sector at the health
facility, district, regional and MOHSW levels to access and use reliable data in order to evaluate
the implementation of health policies and guidelines for planning and providing quality services
of treatment and prevention at affordable cost.
Major Sources of HMIS Data
• HMIS data will be extracted from the following major areas:
• Outpatient department (including dental and eye clinics)
• Inpatient department (IPD)
• Diagnostics services (laboratory and Radiology)
• Reproductive child health (RCH) services
• Pharmacy
• Pathology department
• Medical records department
• Administration
• Accounts
• Information from the Community as per Book 3
All service providers using HMIS system are subjected to confidentiality regarding HMIS data.
All health facility patient and client records are strictly confidential and should not be handled by
or exposed to unauthorized person.

There are Fifteen (15) HMIS books/registers for collecting and analysing different pieces of
health information:
o Book 1: HMIS Guidelines
o Book 2: Facility and Hospital Summary Book
o Book 3: Community book
o Book 4: Ledger book
o Book 5: Out-patient register
o Book 6: Antenatal care register
o Book 7: Child register
o Book 8: Family planning register
o Book 9: Diarrhoea treatment corner
o Book 10: Monthly Report book
o Book 11: Dental register
o Book 12: Labour & Delivery book
o Book 13: Postnatal Register

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 o Book 14: In-patient Department Register
o Book 15: Human Resource Register

HMIS books are subdivided into five main groups;

i. HMIS Guideline
ii. Data Collection Books
iii. Tally Sheet Forms
iv. Monthly Report Forms
v. Facility and Hospital Record Book

I also learned on the importance of collected data using MTUHA as follows;

 Preparing various health sector policies
 Planning and making correct decisions in the health sector
 Assessing the quality of standards in health service provision
 Managing and evaluating the implementation of different health plans
 Assisting in initiating different research
 Following up on the trends of different diseases, health commodities consumption.

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5.4. To report and present health-related information using computer packages

During the field work at Shinyanga municipal hospital, I learned how to effectively report and
present health-related information using various computer software tools. The software I used
including Microsoft excel, Microsoft word and Microsoft power point for preparation of
presentations.

The report is a practical document that describes deals or analyses a situation such that the reader
can take specific actions about the situation. I used Microsoft Word to draft formal reports.
These included: Weekly and monthly dispensing reports, Stock status summaries, Expired and
damaged drug reports and other health related reports. These reports were formatted with
headings, bullet points, and tables to enhance readability and professional presentation.

I also used Microsoft PowerPoint to prepare visual presentations for internal pharmacy reviews.
These presentations were delivered during pharmacy team meetings and provided a platform for
discussion and feedback. Through these activities, I developed essential skills in data
presentation, report formatting, and information visualization, which are important for
pharmacists involved in decision-making, supervision, and communication within the healthcare
system.

I also taught basic principles of good report writing as good reporting requires accuracy,
completeness, conciseness, impartiality, clarity and report formatting.

Furthermore, I learned and observed on how to use information recorded in the HMIS monthly
tracer medicine register (part of MTUHA book 4) and write a simple report to a Council Health
Management Team (CHMT) of one district.

5.5. The Use of Computer Applications for Data Backup, Information Searching, and
Learning
Data backup on computer, involves creating copies of your important data and storing them in
separate, safe location to protect against data loss. This can be done using various computer
methods including manual copying to a removable media such as external hard drive, USB
driver, CDs or DVDs or network locations or using built-in or third-part software. Backups are
crucial for disaster recovery preventing health recorded data from data loss by allowing user to
restore data from the previous state if the original data is lost or damaged.

I made use of various computer applications to support data management and continuous
learning. For data backup, I saved important reports on flash drives and cloud platforms such as
Google Drive, ensuring data safety in case of system failure. For information searching, I used
search engines and accessed online pharmaceutical databases like the National Treatment
Guidelines, WHO resources, and TMDA (Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority)
documents.

In addition, I used YouTube, eBooks, and other e-learning platforms to supplement my

understanding of complex topics such as pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and emerging
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pharmaceutical technologies. These tools made learning more flexible and accessible, and they
have become part of my daily learning routine.

5.6. To use computer packages in ordering, invoicing, dispensing, selling and inventory
management

Another important lesson I learned during my field work was about inventory management
applications, procedures for electronic ordering, procedures for electronic invoicing, procedures
for electronic dispensing, procedures for electronic selling carrying out some inventory
management functions using computer.

Inventory management applications

The inventory management applications that I got exposed to was electronic logistic information
system (eLMIS) and district health information software 2 (DHIS 2). The electronic logistic
information system (eLMIS) Is a revolutionary and cost-effective system of health data
management that ensures greater commodity security and better health outcomes for people in a
given locality like say Tanzania. The DHIS2 software is a web-based application and can be
accessed through as web browser (an application you use to access internet e.g. Internet explorer,
Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, etc) when you have Internet Connection.

In the address field type in the URL (address) of the DHIS2 (www.dhis.moh.got.z)

Figure 4; THE DHIS 2 APPLICATION

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Procedures for electronic ordering

Ordering using eLMIS is possible following the following steps;

The first step is to login where the system will require an authorized user to enter user name and
password correctly.

Then, Click order management menu, from the order management menu click create order. Click
inside the ship to my site box and type the first few characters of your site, then select vendor,
ship from, vendor site, Using the date button and the time button, select the req. delivery date
and req.ship date

 Click adds line to add lines to the purchase order.

 Chose product group
 Click on product group button, select product group and click search. Select your product
then click ok.
 Click save option or submit option.
 Click on approve for order and for confirmation order will go to a new status.

Electronic Invoicing; This is an act of electronically exchanging of the invoice document

between supplier and a buyer in an integrated electronic format.

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5.7. The use of networking programs in disseminating pharmaceutical information

A network, in computing, is a group of two or more devices that can communicate.

A network is comprised of a number of different computer systems connected by physical and/or

wireless connections. All networks allow computers and/or individuals to share information and
resources.

At the hospital setting networking serves as an important tool in daily activities as it allows
communication and transferring of information from one area to another on time. At Shinyanga
municipal hospital the utilization of GoT-HoMIS, where I could access the electronic
prescription of each patient, view the patient’s dispensing history, record the quantity of
medicine issued, automatically deduct the issued stock from inventory, generate receipts for
billing, which were linked to the hospital’s finance system. The LAN setup allowed seamless
communication and data sharing between departments, reducing delays and minimizing errors.

The following are the benefits of pharmaceutical networking technology in healthcare industry;

 It improves the pharmacists work, especially in acquisition of consumable and non-

consumable medical materials, deliveries of pharmaceutical materials, stock and
inventory control.
 It gives them more time to help the customers in the service area.
 It reduces client waiting time, pharmaceutical expenditure and the manpower requirement
for any kind of pharmaceutical work.
 It facilitates sharing of information with other service area within the health facility

The above importance of networking was practically observed during the field work at
Shinyanga municipal hospital.

Local area network (LAN): used for single sites where people need to share resources among
themselves but not with the rest of the outside world. A good example is GoT-HoMIS setup
network that locally created to operate across departments of healthcare facility to facilitate
transferring and sharing health information within a single health facility.

Overall, my experience with GoT-HoMIS deepened my understanding of how digital tools can
enhance pharmaceutical care delivery, strengthen patient data security, and improve overall
hospital management.

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Figure 5; GoT-HoMIS system

5.8. performing simple data analysis using MTUHA database

One of the key learning areas during my field attachment at Shinyanga Municipal Hospital was
understanding how pharmaceutical data is analyzed using Health Management Information
Systems (HMIS) to monitor trends, identify problems, and inform decision-making. This task is
essential for maintaining the quality, availability, and safety of medicines in healthcare facilities.

The analysis is performed using inventory program tools, which include HMIS registers, the
Logistics Management Information System (LMIS), and District Health Information System 2
(DHIS2). Each of these tools plays a distinct but interrelated role in ensuring that pharmaceutical
service trends are properly tracked and acted upon. Here's how each tool contributes to the
process:

a) Health Management Information System (HMIS) Registers

The HMIS, is the foundation of pharmaceutical data collection at the facility level. It captures
raw data on Stock received and dispensed, Monthly consumption, Expiry reports, Days out of
stock for tracer medicines. The major objective of HMIS is to enable everyone involved in the
health sector at the health facility, district, regional and MOHSW levels to access and use
reliable data in order to evaluate the implementation of health policies and guidelines for
planning and providing quality services of treatment and prevention at affordable cost.

Data collected from HMIS major sources of data, facilitates decision making regarding
implementation of activities in a specific sector. Therefore, data collected in the health sector
enables the following important roles:

• Preparing various health sector policies

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• Planning and making correct decisions in the health sector

• Assessing the quality of standards in health service provision

• Managing and evaluating the implementation of different health plans

• Assisting in initiating different research

• Following up on the trends of different diseases, health commodities consumption.

During the field work, I participated in compiling this data at the end of each month. The register
acts as the home of primary data, which is then transferred into other digital systems for deeper
analysis.

b) Logistic Management Information System (LMIS / eLMIS)

A LMIS is a system that is used to collect, organizes, and present logistics data gathered from all
levels of the health system.

An LMIS enables logisticians to collect the data needed to make informed decisions that will
ultimately improve product availability and patient treatment. One immediate decision that is
made based on logistics data is the quantities of products that should be resupplied to health
facilities. An LMIS provides data needed to operate a supply chain. It collects data about health
products such as quantities consumed, stock on hand, losses and adjustment. It collects data from
stores, dispensing records area.

Features and functionality of LMIS in relation to pharmaceutical services

Requisitions and Ordering

 Create, authorize, approve report and requisitions, both regular, based on configured
processing periods, and emergency.
 Supports offline data capture on key screens.
 Executes complex and configurable approval hierarchies.
 Calculates order amounts based on average consumption and max policies.
 Complex data validations to support quality data capture.
 Generate orders for external fulfillment based on approved requisitions.
Setup and Customization

 Manage system users, role assignments, programs, facilities, orderable and associations
with bulk upload and administrative screens.
 Configure the system to match your processing and reorder periods, policies and facility
hierarchy.
Stock Management

 Record transactions and view electronic stock cards (supports lot info)

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  Perform physical inventory & adjustments
 Track ins/outs of stock – send and receive stock
At Shinyanga Hospital, I learned how eLMIS simplifies the trend analysis of medicine use and
improves inventory forecasting. The data from eLMIS also helps to visualize long-term changes
in medicine demand or gaps in supply chain management.

c) District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2)

After analysis through LMIS, summary reports are uploaded into the DHIS2, a national-level
platform used by the Ministry of Health. The DHIS2 data entered electronically by district
pharmacist, quarterly and the data collected mainly are the products used in the provision of
health services. DHIS2 is used to report and visualize analyzed data for national monitoring,
comparison, and decision-making.

DHIS 2 Features includes, GIS, Pivot tables, Charts, Routine data, Events, Tracking.

LMIS data compared with service data in HMIS, the sample dashboard graph with sample data.
An example at national level dashboard Consumption data has been pulled into DHIS2 and
dashboards developed to compare cases of PPH and retained placenta and consumption of
oxytocin, ergometrine, and misoprostol.

Figure 6; DHIS 2 DATA VISUALIZATION

The above analysis can be used to generate report with respect to the observed trend regarding to
consumption rate and cases.

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5.9. Describing the components of integrated logistic system
The integrated logistic system (ILS) is the system designed to streamline the supply chain for
essential medicine and supplies, aiming to improve access and availability at the point of service.
ILS responsible for managing supplies for various health facilities including dispensaries, health
centers and hospitals. ILS combines different vertical programs in to a single, unified system for
managing supplies.
The Integrated Logistic System (ILS) is used in Tanzania to manage the supply chain of health
commodities, particularly medicines and medical supplies, in a coordinated and efficient manner.
It ensures that essential medicines are available, in the right quantities, at the right time, and at all
levels of the healthcare system. During my field work at Shinyanga Municipal Hospital, I learned
that the ILS is composed of several key components, each playing a specific role in the flow of
products and information. ILS is composed of several key components, each playing a specific
role in the flow of products and information;
1. Planning and Strategic Objectives: Tanzanian health sector logistics often follows a strategic
plan, such as the MTSP (medium term strategic plan) III (2021-2026), with objectives like
improving care for diseases, enhancing the MSD's capacity, and improving customer service.
Strategic Purchasing; This involves making informed decisions about which health commodities
to procure, considering factors like service delivery and consumption data.
2. Storage, Warehousing, and Materials Handling:
MSD Warehouses: The MSD, a key player in the health supply chain, operates warehouses for
storing and distributing health commodities.
Health Facility Inventory: Health facilities (hospitals, health centers, dispensaries) need to
manage their own inventories of medical supplies.
3. Inventory Management:
Open LMIS: This web-enabled system helps track stock levels, facilitate reorders, and manage
supply chain data.
Requisition and Restocking: OpenLMIS connects health facilities with the MSD for requisitions
and restocking.
4. Transportation and Distribution:
MSD Distribution: The MSD is responsible for transporting health commodities to different
locations.
Facility-Based Operations: Health facilities are responsible for distributing supplies within their
area of operation.
5. Information and Control:

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OpenLMIS: This system provides data on stock levels, consumption, and reorder quantities.
Reporting and Monitoring: Regular reporting on supply chain data helps track trends, identify
discrepancies, and ensure effective supply chain management.
6. Other Key Aspects:
Health Programs: The Integrated Logistics System supports various health programs, such as the
Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and the National AIDS Control Program.
Supply Chain Integration: OpenLMIS and other information systems are designed to integrate
supply chain data with service delivery data, allowing for better decision-making.
Capacity Building: The MSD and other stakeholders need to be trained on best practices for
managing the logistics system.
5.10. management of pharmaceutical information in vertical programs

A vertical programme is a programme which targets one particular disease.

For example, A vertical program might focus on malaria from the bottom where members of
community leave and go on up to the level where planners, evaluators and decision makers
making decision of a particular case.
Vertical programme deals with removing the places where mosquitoes breed, protecting the
houses where the people live, educating people about how to avoid malaria, establishing clinics
where malaria can be diagnosed and treated, and finally, finding medications to cure the disease,
and so on.
Some of vertical programs existing in Tanzania includes the following;
• Reproductive Health Program
• National Aids Control Program
• National Immunization Program
• National TB / Leprosy Program
The pharmaceutical management information system (PMIS) integrates pharmaceutical data
collection, processing, and presentation of information that helps staff at all levels of country`s
health system to make evidence-based decisions and manage pharmaceutical services.
Any firm in the pharmaceutical industry requires efficient and effective management information
systems (MIS) to support managerial functions.
The importance of PMIS in vertical programmes:
The integration strengthened Vertical Programs services likewise lowered the operations costs of
programs and resulted into increase the availability of Vertical programs.
Medicines, Medical Supplies and Laboratory Reagents to the health facilities.

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A good PMIS provides the necessary information to make sound decisions in the pharmaceutical
sector.
Effective pharmaceutical management requires policymakers, program managers, and health
care providers to monitor information related to patient adherence, drug resistance, availability of
medicines and laboratory supplies, patient safety, post-market intelligence, product registration,
product quality, financing and program management, among other issues.
Coordinating the elements of a pharmaceutical supply system requires relevant, accurate, and
timely information.
Increased funding for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and immunization programs has contributed to
the need for accurate and timely information on a variety of parameters that affect the ability to
conduct accurate quantification, procurement planning, budgeting, resource mobilization and
program management.

5.11. Analysis of health-related data using computer packages

During my field work at Shinyanga Municipal Hospital, I gained valuable experience in

analyzing health-related data using various computer software packages. This task is essential in
pharmacy practice as it supports evidence-based decision-making, helps track medicine usage
trends, and enhances the overall management of pharmaceutical services.
Health-related data analysis involved interpreting data collected from daily pharmacy operations,
HMIS registers, and vertical programs. I learned to use the following computer packages:
a) Microsoft Excel; this was the most frequently used tool during my attachment. I used it to:
Enter and organize data extracted from MTUHA Books and stock cards.
Calculate medicine consumption rates using basic formulas such as SUM, AVERAGE, and
percentage calculations.
Generate pivot tables to summarize data by drug type, patient category, and service points.
Create charts and graphs that visually represented trends in medicine availability, frequency of
stock-outs, and patient attendance patterns.
This simplified the identification of problems such as understocking, overstocking, or irregular
medicine use.
b) Electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS)

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An LMIS enables logisticians to collect the data needed to make informed decisions that will
ultimately improve product availability and patient treatment. One immediate decision that is
made based on logistics data is the quantities of products that should be resupplied to health
facilities.
An LMIS provides data needed to operate a supply chain.
It collects data about health products such as quantities consumed, stock on hand, losses and
adjustment. It collects data from stores, dispensing records area.

Features and functionality of LMIS in relation to pharmaceutical services

Requisitions and Ordering

Create, authorize, approve report and requisitions, both regular, based on configured processing
periods, and emergency. Supports offline data capture on key screens.nExecutes complex and
configurable approval hierarchies. Calculates order amounts based on average consumption and
max policies. Complex data validations to support quality data capture. Generate orders for
external fulfillment based on approved requisitions.

Setup and Customization

 Manage system users, role assignments, programs, facilities, orderable and associations with
bulk upload and administrative screens.
 Configure the system to match your processing and reorder periods, policies and facility
hierarchy.

Stock Management

 Record transactions and view electronic stock cards (supports lot info)
 Perform physical inventory & adjustments
 Track ins/outs of stock – send and receive stock

DHIS 2

• it is used for Capturing, managing, and analysing of data

• Highly flexible and configurable platform with a wide variety of use cases
• Free and open source software
• Extensible through Web APIs and other applications

The DHIS has got the following features

GIS, Pivot tables, Charts, Routine data, Events, Tracking

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Figure 7; DHIS 2 FEATURES
After the data collected and analyzed using HMIS, reporting is initiated using DHIS 2 web so as
to reach the Tanzania ministry of health where the ministry of health used the reported
information to make relevant decision regarding the improvement of community health in
Tanzania healthcare system.
There are several ways to view and use the data through reports. Reports in this case mean
different presentations – charts, graphs, tables and others. All these reports can be obtained when
you go to Services->Reports.
There are two types of reports;
• Automatic reports generated by the system like monthly summary, data coverage, etc.
• Pre-defined reports – these are reports defined as the user’s information requirements

Figure 8; Different report options available in DHIS 2

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 6.0. CONCLUSION

My field attachment at Shinyanga Municipal Hospital from March to April 2025 provided a rich
and practical learning environment that significantly enhanced my understanding of
pharmaceutical services. The tasks I was assigned and actively participated in covered a wide
range of competencies relevant to my Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences training.

Throughout the attachment, I was involved in the following learning tasks:

 The use of formula in the preparation of pharmaceutical products, practically compounded

products such as simple syrups and sterile preparations,
 Organization of health-related data using computer packages, which helped me develop data
entry and management skills using tools like Microsoft Excel.
 The use of MTUHA databases in capturing and managing pharmaceutical data, where I
learned to record accurate patient and medicine information for reporting and inventory
purposes.
 To report and present health-related information using computer packages, including
generating summaries and charts to visually display pharmaceutical data for decision-
making.
 The use of computer applications for data backup, information searching and learning, which
exposed me to safe data storage practices and the use of online platforms for research and
reference.
 To use computer packages in ordering, invoicing, dispensing, selling and inventory
management, using systems such as GoT-HoMIS for pharmacy operations.
 The use of networking programs in disseminating pharmaceutical information, including the
use of DHIS2 to share pharmaceutical indicators with the Ministry of Health.
 Analysis of data using HMIS home to a database, where I used HMIS tools, LMIS, and
DHIS2 to identify pharmaceutical trends and problems based on inventory data.
 Describing the components of integrated logistic system, which gave me insight into how
logistics functions from ordering to distribution are coordinated in the public health system.
 Management of pharmaceutical information in vertical programs, such as HIV, TB, and
malaria, where I engaged with program-specific reporting tools and inventory systems.
 Analysis of health-related data using computer packages, where I used Excel, GoT-HoMIS,
eLMIS, and DHIS2 to generate reports and interpret pharmaceutical data trends.

In final analysis, all these tasks collectively improved my technical knowledge, problem-solving
skills, and understanding of how pharmaceutical services are integrated with digital systems and
national health frameworks. The experience deepened my appreciation for the role of pharmacy
professionals in ensuring medicine availability, rational use, and accurate data reporting.

Conclusively, Shinyanga municipal Hospital made me possible to learn the practical part of
several fields of study such as Health Information System, Inventory Management electronically
that operated at the facility.

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7.0. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on my field attachment experience at Shinyanga Municipal Hospital, I would like to offer
the following recommendations to the key stakeholders involved in the training and
implementation of pharmaceutical services. These suggestions are aimed at enhancing the quality
of training, improving service delivery, and strengthening health systems.

To the Training Institution (Kolandoto College of Health Sciences)

I recommend the college continue to strengthen the field attachment program by increasing time
frame for field work and more practical experiences that could help pharmaceutical science
students to gain more practical skills.

More practical sessions related to electronic systems such as eLMIS, DHIS2, and GoT-HoMIS
should be integrated into classroom teaching to prepare students in advance.

I encourage the institution to foster strong collaborations with health facilities to support
supervision and feedback mechanisms during field attachments.

To the Hospital Management (Shinyanga Municipal Hospital)

The Administration should improve electronic Network system to provide running faster and
help in operation, hence avoid time wasting from slow of network and simplify health related
tasks. Also, the hospital should assign a person who operate MTUHA database demonstration at
a Hospital and help Field student learning about MTUHA database.

To the Ministry of Health

Ministry of Health should make sure have employed enough workers for promoting health
service to patient and those who perform in MTUHA Database for each facility for improving
patient health outcomes.

More investment in capacity building for students and healthcare providers on the use of digital
tools and pharmaceutical logistics would improve overall service quality.

It is also advisable for the Ministry to review and update training curricula in collaboration with
training institutions to ensure that emerging pharmaceutical technologies and digital systems are
well-covered.

Lastly, continued support for vertical programs and medicine availability monitoring will help
strengthen pharmaceutical service delivery at district levels.

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8.0. BIBLIOGRAPHY

 GNU. (2016). DHIS 2 User Manual. DHIS2 Documentation Team. Free Software
Foundation. Available at: www.gnu.org . accessed : 11.09.2018
 MOHCDGEC. (2016). National Guideline for Health Data Quality Assessment. Dar es
salaam. Tanzania
 MOHSW (2002).Health Management Information System HMIS (MTUHA) Guidelines Book
1. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
 MOHSW (2002).HMIS Health Evaluation and Planning (Help) Manual for the In Charges
of Health Facilities. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
 MOHSW (2013). Health Management Information System HMIS (MTUHA) Version 3.0
Composite. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
 MOHSW (2007). Pre-service HMIS Module Draft. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare:
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

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