ABSTRACT
This study explored procurement practices at Western Visayas Medical Center, focusing on efficiency, responsiveness, and end-user satisfaction. A qualitative research design was used, with data gathered through semi-structured interviews involving 9 participants from the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), Technical Working Group (TWG), and end users. Thematic analysis revealed that procurement practices are systematic, regulated, and guided by established policies. Although efficiency has improved through simplified procedures, it still relies heavily on accurate planning, complete documentation, and workload conditions. The system was found to be highly responsive in urgent or emergencies. Moreover, issues such as delays in approvals, documentation mistakes, and weaknesses in planning continue to affect performance. End-user satisfaction was generally moderate due to variations in processing time. The study emphasizes planning as a central factor and recommends improving planning systems, streamlining procedures, and implementing digital solutions.
Keywords: Procurement Practices, Government Medical Center, Efficiency, Responsiveness
INTRODUCTION
Procurement plays a critical role in the daily operations of government hospitals, ensuring the availability of essential goods and services for healthcare delivery (Preker et al., 2005). In healthcare institutions such as the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), the availability of medicines, medical supplies, equipment, and other essential services depends largely on the effectiveness and organization of the procurement system. When procurement processes are inefficient, hospital operations may be disrupted, directly affecting both healthcare workers and patients (World Health Organization, 2021).
In the Philippines, government procurement is governed by Republic Act No. 9184, also known as the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003, which promotes transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public purchasing (Republic Act No. 9184, 2003). While the law provides a clear legal framework, the actual performance of procurement systems varies across institutions due to differences in internal management practices, interdepartmental coordination, and resource capacity.
As a tertiary government hospital serving the Western Visayas region, WVMC must ensure that its procurement processes not only comply with legal mandates but also respond effectively to operational demands. Efficiency in this context refers to the optimal use of time, cost, and resources in acquiring goods and services (World Bank, 2020). Responsiveness, on the other hand, reflects the ability of the procurement system to adapt quickly to urgent needs, supply shortages, and changing healthcare requirements (OECD, 2019). Equally important is end-user satisfaction, as healthcare personnel who directly utilize procured items provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of procurement practices (GAO, 2018).
Given these considerations, this study focuses on evaluating WVMC's procurement practices for efficiency, responsiveness, and end-user satisfaction. By examining these aspects, the research aims to identify strengths and areas for improvement that could enhance service delivery and overall institutional performance.
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