Background

Ensuring sufficient and continuous access to single-use injection equipment is a key element of any strategy to achieve the safe and appropriate use of injections. Experience from immunization and general services indicates that increased access to injection equipment improves practices. Thus, in April 2002, the 12th Expert Committee on the selection and use of essential medicines recommended that "when injectable medicines are being supplied, the necessary equipment for sterile injections should be supplied." This recommendation can be achieved through the existing drug supply delivery system.

Objective

The objective of this guide is to accompany pharmacists, physicians, procurement staff and programme managers through the process of procuring single-use injection equipment and safety boxes of assured quality, on a national or international market, at reasonable prices.

Procurement procedures

International organizations have established standardized procurement procedures for medicines and medical devices. This guide describes how these procedures can be used to ensure the procurement of injection equipment and safety boxes.

Ensuring the quality of injection equipment

Institutions procuring injection equipment need to develop a list of manufacturers that are prequalified on the basis of certain criteria which include international quality standards. This guide provides steps and tools for procurement, including a pre-qualification procedure of injection equipment for purchase. Developing a monitoring system for supplier performance will improve and safeguard the quality of injection equipment selected and prevent or eliminate unreliable suppliers.