Technology-enabled Modified Tricycle Delivery Vans for Priority Medicine Access in Rural Health Facilities in Northern Ghana: Experimental Evidence


Authors : Mohammed Ali; Abubakari Abdul Ganiu Konla; Rashid Bawumia Ali; Mashud Mohammed Alhassan; Adam Haliq

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/45p9udf5

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/29s7x564

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec1487

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : In this study, a technology-enabled medicine delivery system was evaluated to assess its effectiveness on performance, service utilization, and service reliability in the context in rural healthcare facilities in the Northern Region of Ghana. Data were collected were at baseline and at six, 12, 24, and 36 months through structured observation checklists and interviews with health workers and community-based drivers. Quantitative indicators included delivery timeliness, medicine availability, stock-out cases, patient service utilization, and volume of urgent medicines distributed, whereas qualitative interviews examined operational realities such as terrain obstacles, cold- chain maintenance, and community perception. Results indicated significant improvements within intervention districts versus comparison arms. Delivery intervals declined from 21 days at baseline to 10–12 days at 24 months, and 92% of facilities reported timely deliveries at 36 months (p < 0.01). Stock-outs of oxytocin and magnesium sulfate decreased from 48 percent to less than 10 percent (p < 0.001), and average monthly maternal health visits rose 69 percent (p < 0.01). Volumes of oxytocin, magnesium sulfate, oral rehydration salts, zinc, antimalarials, antibiotics, and EPI vaccines were more than doubled throughout the study period. The real-time reporting adoption was increased to 95 percent, meaning more accountability (p < 0.001). Technology-enabled delivery systems can fill persistent gaps in the rural supply chain, contribute to service utilization, and promote accountability, concludes the study. The findings present empirical evidence to promote scaling of novel health systems models in Ghana’s health system with limits of reliance on facility records and district-specific contexts and recommendations.

Keywords : Supply Chain Performance, Medicine Availability, Maternal Health Utilization, Accountability and Technology‐Enabled Delivery.

References :

  1. Adam, H. (2025). Transforming rural health systems through innovative supply chain solutions: A case from Northern Ghana. Catholic Relief Services Ghana. Retrieved from https://www.ccih.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CCIH-2025-4B-Haliq-Adam.pdf
  2. Amukele, T., Ness, P. M., Tobian, A. A., Boyd, J., & Street, J. (2018). Drone transportation of blood products. Transfusion, 58(6), 1404–1408. https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.14578
  3. Anarwat, S. G., Salifu, M., & Akuriba, M. A. (2021). Equity and access to maternal and child health services in Ghana: A cross-sectional study. BMC Health Services Research, 21(864). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06872-9
  4. Asante, A., Zwi, A., & Ho, M. T. (2020). Vaccine distribution in Ghana: Challenges and opportunities for strengthening supply chains. Global Health Action, 13(1), 170–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2020.170
  1. Atiga, B., et al. (2023). Challenges of medical commodity availability in public and private health care facilities in the Upper East Region of Ghana: A patient-centered perspective. BMC Health Services Research. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09717-9
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  4. Ministry of Health. (2022). 2022–2030 National Essential Health Services Package Ghana. Government of Ghana. Retrieved from https://r4d.org/wp-content/uploads/MoH-NHESP-Report-Design_Final-Dec-22.pdf
  5. Ministry of Health. (2022). Ministry of Health launches GhiLMIS to improve supply chain in the health sector. Government of Ghana. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.gh/ministry-of-health-launches-ghilmis-to-improve-supply-chain-in-the-health-sector/
  6. Ministry of Health. (2025). Ghana Health Supply Chain Master Plan (2025–2029). Government of Ghana. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ghana_HSCMP_2025-2029_Final-Print-Version_17January2025.pdf
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In this study, a technology-enabled medicine delivery system was evaluated to assess its effectiveness on performance, service utilization, and service reliability in the context in rural healthcare facilities in the Northern Region of Ghana. Data were collected were at baseline and at six, 12, 24, and 36 months through structured observation checklists and interviews with health workers and community-based drivers. Quantitative indicators included delivery timeliness, medicine availability, stock-out cases, patient service utilization, and volume of urgent medicines distributed, whereas qualitative interviews examined operational realities such as terrain obstacles, cold- chain maintenance, and community perception. Results indicated significant improvements within intervention districts versus comparison arms. Delivery intervals declined from 21 days at baseline to 10–12 days at 24 months, and 92% of facilities reported timely deliveries at 36 months (p < 0.01). Stock-outs of oxytocin and magnesium sulfate decreased from 48 percent to less than 10 percent (p < 0.001), and average monthly maternal health visits rose 69 percent (p < 0.01). Volumes of oxytocin, magnesium sulfate, oral rehydration salts, zinc, antimalarials, antibiotics, and EPI vaccines were more than doubled throughout the study period. The real-time reporting adoption was increased to 95 percent, meaning more accountability (p < 0.001). Technology-enabled delivery systems can fill persistent gaps in the rural supply chain, contribute to service utilization, and promote accountability, concludes the study. The findings present empirical evidence to promote scaling of novel health systems models in Ghana’s health system with limits of reliance on facility records and district-specific contexts and recommendations.

Keywords : Supply Chain Performance, Medicine Availability, Maternal Health Utilization, Accountability and Technology‐Enabled Delivery.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - January - 2026

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