Light for the World International in collaboration with MoH and eye health partners in Ethiopia
would like to conduct an assessment on challenges Associated with Ophthalmic Equipment
Management and Maintenance in Ethiopia
General Objective of the Study
The overall objective of the assessment is to identify the main challenges in relation to ophthalmic equipment management and maintenance in the tertiary and secondary eye care units in Ethiopia to generate evidence to advocate for policy change in Ethiopia.
Specific objectives
Conduct facility audits to generate an inventory of the available type of ophthalmic equipment, its working condition, and its manufacturer/supplier in sampled public secondary and tertiary eye units and selected private sectors of Ethiopia
Assess the biomed HR profile and available training opportunities for biomed engineers and technicians including review of standardization of on-the-job trainings/skill transfers and training curricula
Generate evidence on the main challenges associated with ophthalmic equipment availability, functionality, and spare parts, utilization, maintenance, and overall management.
Generate fact sheet and policy brief for advocacy
Assess the supply chain management of the eyecare institutions and other relevant stakeholders (development partners, suppliers, EPSA, EFDA, CSO and MOH) identify the challenges associated with the process
Desk review of national policy, strategy and guideline documents and documented experiences and best practices from similar developing countries (Africa and Asia) on equipment maintenance management and supply chain management
Scope of work
The scope of this consultancy work includes the following tasks:
Develop an inception report detailing the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, deliverables, timelines, etc.
Develop an appropriate and acceptable data collection tools
Conduct desk review of relevant policy, strategy and guideline documents and biomedical engineering curriculum
Coordinate and supervise data collection.
Carry out data analysis
Prepare and develop draft report
Incorporate feedback on the report and share the revised version of the report according to feedback
Facilitate validation workshop and collect feedback and incorporate them to the final document
Submit the baseline database to LFTW.
Submit the final report in soft copy and hard copy
Produce fact sheet and policy brief
Methodology
The assessment should adopt a participatory approach to involve all key stakeholders in the process to gather primary and secondar data through different approaches.
The evaluation should include but not limited to the following:
Comprehensive desk review of national and international policies, strategies, guidelines, SOPs, and curricula relevant to the issue under assessment
Key informant interviews with representatives of the main stakeholders (MOH, EPSA, EFDA, Orbis, HCP, LFTW, CBM, OSE, EOA, RHBs, Institution heads and professionals) to assess source or availability of medical equipment, utilization and functioning of medical devices, human resource to manage medical devices, procurement, quality assurance mechanisms, and measures in prevention and control of occupational hazard and policy and strategic issues
Facility audits to assess availability, functionality, model and supplier information for all ophthalmic items in selected public and private facilities
Review of relevant documents including but not limited to the national HSTP; vison 2020; insight 2030, ECSAT report, WHO IPEC strategy, curriculum of biomed engineering at Jima university and Addis Ababa university, studies conducted on ophthalmic equipment maintenance and management in Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa countries,
Expected result/deliverables
Inception report
Comprehensive draft report which reflects/addresses the above specific objectives “a. b, c, e and f”
Validation workshop facilitation and note/feedback-documentation
Final comprehensive report, incorporating feedback from the TWG, validation workshop participants and other stakeholders with recommendations
Fact sheet and policy brief documents for advocacy
Time frame in 2022
Final report including fact sheet and policy brief should be submitted on or before the 15th of November 2022
Job Requirement
A team of 2-3 professionals composed of a senior ophthalmologist and a biomedical engineer and someone having a good understanding of the supply chain management of equipment procurement locally and internationally including installation and maintenance.
More than 5 years of practical experience in conducting similar research/ assessment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
Ability to analyze and translate findings into practical recommendation and present it in an appropriate format.
Should have a renewed license for consultancy service.