Electronic Government Procurement in Buriram Provicial Health Office

Abstract

Background: Supply purchase by government organizations using Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) enables online registration for vendors which permit faster, more efficient and transparent supply purchase, facilitates efficacy of resource utilization and sustainable development of the public sector and the nation.
Objectives: To study the management process of supply purchase and problems with electronic procurement to determine opportunities for development and improvement of electronic procurement of hospitals under the Buriram Provincial Health Office.
Study design: Survey study.
Material and Methods: Thirty hospital personnel responsible for supply purchase were surveyed during November 2013 to December 2014. Quantitative data are presented as frequency and percentage. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.
Results: Most personnel adhered to regulations of electronic purchasing management, only few lacked knowledge and planning. Problems include lack of understanding and expertise in the e-GP system, slow network connection, complicated interface, failure to create documents using the system, and the lack of skilled advisors. The system requires lengthy data input and the lack of expertise causes problems when linking with the Government Fiscal Management Information System (GFMIS). Government Product and Service Code (GPSC) for some items are difficult to find causing further delay. Human resource development is the key for improving efficiency of inventory management of electronic supply purchase.
Conclusion: Problems in electronic supply purchasing is related to skills and knowledge or
personnel, equipment and system. Human resources development should be done as well as ensuring readiness of equipment and network connection.