Maintain a stock (bin) card for each dosage form of drug in the store where drugs are kept. Stock (bin) cards are important for good accountability of stock movements. The cards should be made of stiff cardboard and be placed near the drug products that they refer to on the shelves. If one dosage form is available in two different strengths, open separate stock cards for each strength. Stock, bin or tally cards are very useful tools in the management of stores. Follow these procedures:

• Maintain a stock (bin) card for each drug or dosage form of a drug in the store where drugs are kept.

• Enter quantity of seed stock in the “in” and “balance” columns with date, price and supplier.

• Enter quantity of any new stock in the “in” column with date, price, supplier and delivery number.

• Enter balance of stock brought for ward in “balance” column with date.

• Entries of receipt and issue of drugs are made after the event.

• Always have a balance of stock entered in the “balance” column with date.

• Always issue out full containers of drugs from the store and enter the quantity of drug issued in the “out” column.

• Physically check the actual balance of stock against current balance in stock card from time to time to detect any discrepancy.

• Keep spoons and measuring cups within reach for dispensing.

Example:

Keep separate stock (bin) cards for:

• Acetylsalicylic acid 300-mg tablets
• Acetylsalicylic acid 500-mg tablets.