Health facility-related factors and drug expiry in Mulago Hospital, Kampala District. A cross-sectional study

Background: Drug expiry remains a significant challenge in healthcare facilities, including Mulago Hospital, as it leads to wastage of medicines, financial losses, and reduced availability of essential drugs. This study aims to assess the health facility-related factors and drug expiry in Mulago Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 73 respondents selected through purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using MS Excel. Results: The study had 73 respondents, 32(43.8%) were aged between 29 and 39 years, 12(16,4%) aged 18–28 years. 40–59 years were 10(13.7%), 19(26.1%) were above 60 years. 43(58.9%) were female, while 30(41.1%) were male. 40(54.8%) agreed with the statement that procurement of near-expiry drugs, often resulting from suppliers issuing medications without adequately considering the specific needs and requests of health facilities, while 21(28.8%) disagreed with the same statement, and 12(16.4%) were not sure, hence suggesting procurement inefficiencies and poor coordination with suppliers. 39(53,4%) disagreed that the absence of effective communication channels between different departments and dispensing units can lead to poor stock rotation practices, while 24(32.9%) strongly agreed, and 5(6.85) agreed and were not sure, with this statement. 14(19.2%) were strongly positive to the statement that Poor stock management, such as the failure to implement the First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) principle, exacerbates the problem by allowing older stock to remain unused until it becomes obsolete, while 55(75.3%) were strongly negative to the same statement while 4(5.5%) were not sure implying that most facilities might be adhering to stock rotation policies. Conclusion: Most respondents indicated that poor stock management is not a major contributor to drug expiry, suggesting effective adherence to FEFO and stock rotation practices in many facilities. Recommendation: Healthcare facilities should continue strengthening inventory management through regular audits, staff training, and strict adherence to FEFO principles to further minimize drug expiry.