Honduras Advances Digital Health Logistics with New Medication Planning Tool

By Bufete Mejia & Asociados

Honduras is strengthening its health innovation ecosystem by implementing a cutting-edge digital tool aimed at optimizing the programming and distribution of essential medicines nationwide. The initiative, led by the Secretariat of Health, is supported technically by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

At the heart of this project is the enhancement of the existing Logistics Administration Information System for Medicines and Supplies (SALMI), a platform designed to manage pharmaceutical inventories and logistics more efficiently. The new tool integrates data analytics and participatory input from regional health authorities and secondary care facilities across the country, creating a comprehensive and dynamic system to forecast and meet the actual demand for general medications.

A key feature of this technology is its ability to analyze historical consumption data alongside unmet demand, enabling health officials to make more accurate, evidence-based decisions regarding procurement and distribution. By doing so, the system aims to minimize stockouts and wastage, ensure consistent availability of essential drugs, and ultimately improve universal health coverage in Honduras.

This digital innovation exemplifies how health sector logistics can benefit from integrated information systems, combining data science, collaborative governance, and user-centered design. 

Honduras’ adoption of advanced digital health tools occurs within a broader national context of expanding technological capabilities and innovation infrastructure. Over recent years, the country has made significant investments in ICT development, digital literacy, and public-private partnerships aimed at fostering a knowledge-based economy.

The health sector, often a critical indicator of technological progress, is looking to embrace digital transformation to tackle systemic challenges such as resource allocation, supply chain inefficiencies, and data fragmentation. The integration of SALMI’s enhanced functionalities aligns with international trends where health logistics systems are being modernized to improve responsiveness and resilience, especially in low- and middle-income countries.