The workload in a drug supply system in developing countries is more or less similar to that in developed countries. However, manpower and management skills are usually much less plentiful, while administrative procedures tend to be complicated and cumbersome. In view of the need for a careful use of limited resources and the fact that computers ('hardware') have become so much cheaper and easier to use, a description will be given of new computer programmes (‘software’) for drug registration, international drug tendering and inventory control that have specifically been developed for central authorities in developing countries, and that can run on simple personal computers. The most important characteristics of the programmes are their full compatibility with the international SWEDIS system which is used in many developed countries, the hardware- and language-independence, and the flexibility to change and expand the system according to need and potential. Common problems in the use of computers in developing countries are discussed, together with some suggested soluti
展开▼
