A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF URBAN AND RURAL HOSPITAL LOGISTICS IN RWANDA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

This study investigates the challenges and opportunities in hospital logistics across urban and rural Rwanda, aiming to address disparities in healthcare delivery. Using a descriptive comparative research design, data were collected from government reports, hospital records, surveys, and interviews conducted between January 2012 and December 2013. Urban hospitals demonstrated superior logistical performance, evidenced by higher on-time delivery rates (90% urban vs. 60% rural, p<0.01) and lower stockout frequencies (5% urban vs. 20% rural, p<0.01). Regression analysis revealed that the adoption of inventory management systems significantly enhanced logistical efficiency (β=0.75,p<0.001). Conversely, rural hospitals faced greater logistical challenges, including poor infrastructure and inadequate budgets. Conclusions highlight the need for targeted interventions such as improved transportation infrastructure (r=0.62,p<0.001) and training programs to bridge the logistics gap. Recommendations include investing in rural infrastructure, integrating logistics management systems, and enhancing public-private partnerships.