An efficient drug warehouse operations: An application of 5S

Abstract

The Government Supported Drug Warehouse (GSDW) is a key member in the generic drug distribution in India. This article deals with the implementation of lean tool 5S in GSDW to make the warehousing practices more efficient and agile. The GSDW stores government approved medical supplies such as generic drugs, syringes, gloves, sutures, etc. which are supplied to different consumption points i.e. Primary Healthcare Center (PHCs), Community Healthcare Center (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs). It was observed in our study that the scientific housekeeping has not been adopted in GSDW and it has resulted in low space utilization, unnecessary movements, unclean work area, medical supplies with high flow time and other wastes. Therefore, it was suggested to adopt 5S tool in GSDW to reduce waste, improve the productivity, enhance quality, increase utilization and promote safety work environment. The changes need to be made in the housekeeping operations of GSDW in terms of sorting, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain were suggested for the implementation of 5S in GSDW.