CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Computerization is defined as the control of processes by computers and its peripherals. Today it would be difficult to think of any process, business or action that could not have profited from the numerous benefits of the computer system. Controlling process or devices with computer started long ago since the invention of computer. In the 20th century inventors tried to make processes easier with the use of computers. Secondly computerization has been greatly applied or used in controlling process that requires frequent action such as drug procurement, drug management, drug tracking and drug distributions in hospital management information system in pharmacy departments of hospitals.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Drug procurement, tracking, distribution and information management in this regard are routine processes carried out in various hospitals across Nigeria. It is a common place to observe that these routine processes are still preformed manually or are minimally computerized even in our Teaching Hospitals. This manual approach to these routine operations has a lot of problems associated with it, ranging from poor handling of drug data of patients, lack of good storage information system for drugs and drug dispensary, delays, to the difficulty in retrieving information on drugs and patients’ records.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim of this research project is to design and implement a computerized drug information management system, drug procurement and distribution tracking system. This includes:

(i). To order for drugs without mistake of procuring more than required.

(ii). To take good stock of drugs.

(iii). To prevent dispensary of expired drugs

(iv). To ensure accurate keeping of records of drugs

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The benefits derivable from this work include the following:

(i) It will provide reliable healthcare services.

(ii) It will guarantee hospital management and patients of genuine and safe drugs.

(iii) It will ensure an efficient and standard drug dispensary system.