Management of the transport fleet of the Ministry of Health

ABSTRACT

Focuses on the transport fleet of the Ministry of Health in order to formulate proposals for upgrading its management. Lists the number of vehicles assigned to the Ministry of Health, the specific persons to which these are assigned and the major activities which make up the daily routine of the fleet. Presents the guidelines as set out by the Procedures Manual within which the transport fleet operates. Contends that the procedures were meant to ensure inventory control, operating cost control, utilization control, control of servicing and preventive maintenance ans cost benefit analysis via the vehicle history summary. Discusses the five major management processes - planning, organizing, co-ordinating, directing, and control evaluation. Contends that, from discussions and interviews held with persons involved in the management of the fleet, the problems identified originate in the planning exercise which was prior to the development of the procedure manual. Comments on the weakness in the present filing system, the inability of the transport officer to undertake all the prescribed duties of his office because he has to undertake clerical duties, was largely through under-utilization of vehicles and on the misuse and abuse of vehicles. Presents a summary of proposals for upgrading the transport fleet(AU)