PFSA unveils a cluster structure of branch offices (ፖሰት)
The Pharmaceuticals Fund and Supply Agency (PFSA) unveiled a cluster structure that helps regional branch offices support each other on a two days performance evaluation forum held on October 13-14, 2017 that analyzed implementation levels in the first quarter of the 2017/18 fiscal year at Dire International Hotel of Adama town.
Deputy Director General of the Agency, Mehari Tekeste, stated that the need for a cluster structure became apparent in efforts to smoothen pharmaceuticals supply to regional branches and reduce wastage by enhancing their usage. He also went on to explain that the structure would help them share their experiences and help each other out.
Accordingly, the branch office of the Northern cluster that incorporates Shire and Semera is located in Mekele; branch office of the North Western cluster is located in Bahir Dar with Gondar and Dessie designated under it. The branch office of the Western cluster that covers Nekemte and Gambella is located in Jimma. Branch office of the Southern cluster is located in Hawassa with Arba Minch and Negele Borena grouped under it. On the other hand, the branch office of the Eastern cluster is in Dire Dawa with Gigjiga and Kebri Dehar designated under it while Addis Ababa no.1 is the seat of the branch office of the central cluster incorporating Addis Ababa no.2, Adama and the project office.
Plan, monitoring and evaluation Director of the Agency, Tsegaye Mebratu, pointed out that the performance of the first quarter of the fiscal year was good considering it was a period of preparation and inventory. He also stated that the evaluation showed main activities like the purchase and supply of pharmaceuticals need to be strengthened along with the acquisition of quality information, delivery and content of reports and the feedback system.
PFSA Arba Minch branch Manager, Tariku Mathias, lauded the collective evaluation of quarterly performances as it creates an opportunity for branch offices to share their experiences. He also urged for the monitoring and evaluation process to go beyond reports and incorporate physical observations and support.
The performance of the main office and all the 17 branch offices during the first quarter was evaluated during the forum with directions put forward towards filling the gaps identified.