Reverse Logistic Practices And Challenges In Pharmaceutical Importing Industries In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This paper examines reverse logistics practices and challenges in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Ethiopia. The sample was selected on hierarchical levels using stratified sampling methods. With a 100% response rate, data gathered from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The research revealed a gap in the flow of reverse logistic activities; from drug returns to its disposal. Most returns were from both wholesalers and retailers with the end consumer playing little or no role. Drugs were frequently disposed of by burning in open containers or through open uncontrolled non engineering dumps. However such practices are recommended as a last resort in the extant literature. We recommend adoption of an enterprise system such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) for drugs reverse logistics activities and implementation of an efficient method for drug disposal by pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Ethiopia.