EFFECT OF SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES ON THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

Abstract

This study examined the effect of sustainable procurement practices on the operational efficiency of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi. Guided by the Sustainability Theory and Stakeholder Theory, the research assessed the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable procurement in enhancing operational efficiency in healthcare service delivery. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with a sample of 178 respondents drawn from a population of 323 staff using Yamene’s formula. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, validated for content and construct validity, and tested for reliability with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.977. Regression analysis showed that all three dimensions of sustainable procurement significantly influence operational efficiency. Economic practices explained 32% of efficiency variation, social practices 41%, while environmental practices had the strongest effect, accounting for 72% of efficiency variation.The study concluded that sustainable procurement practices play a vital role in improving operational efficiency, although BSUTH faces systemic challenges that mirror broader issues in Nigeria’s healthcare procurement system. To address these, it is recommended that BSUTH adopt cost-effective strategies such as bulk purchasing and lifecycle cost analysis, promote inclusivity through local sourcing and fair labor practices, implement eco-friendly procurement initiatives, and provide training to procurement officers on sustainability principles.

Keywords: Sustainable procurement, Economic sustainability, Social sustainability, Environmental sustainability, Operational efficiency, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria).