Local Name of Software: eSIGL
Year Deployed: 2015-current
Implementing Partner: John Snow, Inc. under the MEASURE EVALUATION project
Deployment Coverage: Nationwide
Partners: N/A
A paper-based Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) has existed in CdI since 2007, but was not fully functional for a variety of reasons, mainly an onerous data entry process resulting in delays in data transmission. Data were not getting into the system in time to be of any practical use, and over 60% of paper based reports were not submitted on time.
The accuracy of data and the motivation of health workers to comply with the paper system was poor. In order to enhance the availability of information and to facilitate decision-making on logistics issues, the government of Côte d’Ivoire decided to automate the paper LMIS system. In July 2013, the Ministry of Health (MoH) began the automation process and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established between the key LMIS stakeholders. At that time, the coverage area of the project was also defined.
While searching for existing electronic software, the lack of standardized and suitable electronic tools was a serious threat to finding a solution for the operations of the supply chain systems in place. After much consideration, the MoH selected OpenLMIS, primarily for the benefits of: sustainability and cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and ease of adaptation. The version of OpenLMIS adopted by Côte d’Ivoire had already been successfully developed and deployed in Tanzania and Zambia. For CdI, all user interfaces including data entry screens, reports, and dashboards translated into French.
In late 2014, a series of workshops and meetings were held with stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop and validate system and functional requirements to guide the configuration of the electronic LMIS. The objective of eSIGL is to enable the direct customers (health districts and hospitals) of the Central Medical Store of Côte d’Ivoire (NPSP-CI) to place orders and to provide reports on the management of drugs by the end of fiscal year 2015.
Dates of deployment: 2015 pilot in 50 sites, 2016 national rollout
Regions: National
Health Centers: As of August 2019, operating in over 400 health facilities with 800+users
Program(s): Essential Medicines, Family Planning, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Laboratory Services
Configuration: Pull (eLMIS), data entry at the district level and some connected health facilities
Products: All major health products provided by NPSP-CI and laboratory equipment.
At NPSP eSIGL exchanges data with SAGE Software, the warehouse management system. With this data transfer process, requisitions from customers are converted into sales orders processed through SAGE. This has eliminated manual data entry and improved order accuracy.
eLMIS dashboard