Implementing e-procurement at the Zimbabwe’s National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm): Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

This study explores the challenges and benefits of adopting electronic procurement (e-procurement) technologies to facilitate anti-corruption mechanisms, accountability and transparency in the procurement of pharmaceuticals at the National Pharmaceutical (NatPharm) Company in Zimbabwe. Pharmaceutical corruption is a serious threat to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. It is imperative for the Government of Zimbabwe to adopt Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to detect and prevent corruption and fraud, thereby, addressing leakages, mismanagement and theft of medicines, thereby, improving population health outcomes. The study used a qualitative exploratory case study approach and data was gathered through documentary review. The study findings reveal that, pharmaceutical procurement is highly vulnerable to corruption at NatPharm. Bid rigging, procurement-related corruption, bribery and nepotism characterise pharmaceutical procurement at NatPharm. The study recommends the adoption of a transparent e-procurement system with open contracting and integrity pacts to reduce corruption, increase transparency and accountability at NatPharm.