Subnational Procurement Practices of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Medicines in Nepal

Procurement practices significantly affect the availability of quality maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) medical products, which are essential for providing quality MNCH services and improving health outcomes. In Nepal, provincial-level governments and more recently, local-level governments are authorized to procure most MNCH items and other essential medicines. These entities receive procurement guidance from the central government as needed. Good procurement should be characterized by transparent, impartial, and accountable processes; integrity and fair and open competition; value for money; and maximized use of available resources for quality-assured products. However, in practice, large variations in prices and procurement methods have been observed. In addition, the quality of products procured at the local level is not ensured. This study, conducted by USAID MTaPS with support from Nepal’s government institutions, assesses procurement practices at subnational levels and identifies recommendations that can ensure the quality and availability of MNCH commodities in Nepal.

To view or download “Key Recommendations: Improving Subnational Procurement for MNCH in Nepal,” click here.