Getting Contraceptives to the Client

• Commodities management staff are in place and well-trained, and a specific person is responsible for inventory control.
• The types of contraceptives offered by the program correspond to client contraceptive preferences and are adaptable to changes in contraceptive demand.
• Contraceptive suppliers have been selected and are reliable.
• Estimates are regularly made for the number of clients that will be served, and forecasts are regularly made of the number of clients that will use each type of contraceptive.
• Standard receipt and verification procedures are in place and being used, and the related documents are in the program's files.
• Storage facilities conform to acceptable standards for maintenance of contraceptive quality, thus reducing loss of contraceptives.
• An individual stock record form or card is maintained for each type of contraceptive in stock.
• Contraceptives are clearly labeled, appear to be in good condition, and are not on the shelves past their expiration dates. (First-To-Expire, First-Out rule is observed.)
• The inventory supply system (Push versus Pull) is appropriate to the service delivery system.
• "Min/Max" levels are appropriate so that stockouts or emergency orders are rare, and there aren't excessive stock levels.
• The number of months' supply on hand corresponds to Minimum/Maximum supply levels.
• The monthly quantities of contraceptives issued by the warehouse correspond, by method and brand, to the amounts received by the clinic.
• A Physical Inventory is taken on a regular basis.
• The monthly quantities of contraceptives dispensed correspond to stock levels.
• Records of client use are kept and correspond to inventory levels and service delivery activities.
• Transportation systems are functioning effectively and lead times are sufficient.