An assessment of the vehicle operations and transport services in RDHS office Colombo

Abstract

Background: Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, RDHS Colombo has a large population to deliver healthcare services with their existing resources in a unique way when compared to other RDHS divisions in Sri Lanka. Vehicle Management Systems save time, money, and hassle. By optimizing the vehicle management system, we can gain a better operational view, improve patient care, eliminate inefficient vehicle use, prevent vehicle misuse and related resources and reduce downtime.Objective: To analyse the existing system and challenges in vehicle operations and transport services in RDHS office, ColomboMethods: This is a descriptive case study. The information to assess the structure and function of existing vehicle operations and transport services was gathered by interviewing key informants and desk review. Based on the assessment problems were identified and prioritized. Nominal group technique was adopted for prioritization.Results: Six major problems were identified. Lack of training and education for drivers and non-implemented disciplinary procedures was selected as the problem for further analysis based on the weightage given by the members of the nominal group. It was given higher weightage due to the rising concerns about the health hazards following accidents and vehicle repairs.Conclusion: The study reveals that frequent changes in vehicle subject clerks may lead to a lack of supervision of drivers and there are no institutional guidelines for periodic staff training.Recommendations: The study recommends preparing institutional policies on vehicle maintenance and providing training and education to drivers. In addition, it is suggested to appoint a disciplinary committee to expedite the disciplinary procedure following accidents and vehicle maintenance. It also recommended as a long-term solution to prepare a term of reference (TOR) on annual transfers of drivers for the ambulances and other vehicles based on vehicle maintenance, accident history, discipline and seniority and do periodic surveillance to ensure vehicle registration, renewing tax and insurance, maintain logbook and repair summary, and maintenance and accident summary and ensure disciplinary process.