Assessment of the informal pharmaceutical market and its contributing factors in Guji and West Guji Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Informal pharmaceutical market is common in developing countries due to
constrained regulation, low awareness and poor infrastructure. In Ethiopia this practice is
given little attention. This study was conducted to assess the informal pharmaceuticals
market and identify factors that contributed to the existence and proliferation of the market in
remote and gold mining areas of the study.
Methods: The study used descriptive exploratory qualitative research design. Open market
places, shops and kiosks were observed. Key Informant Interviews (n=25) and two FGD
(n=12) with medicine sellers, health professionals and community were conducted. The data
was processed and analyzed manually using thematic analysis
Findings: Wide variety of medicines was found in the market. The medicines were sourced
from wholesalers, pharmacies, government institutions, private clinics and contraband. The
existence of high demand, lack of adequate supply to the formal channel, lack of
infrastructure in the remote areas, lack of proper regulation, low awareness and corruption
were identified as main contributing factors to the existence and proliferation of the market.
Conclusion and Recommendations: This study found that informal pharmaceutical practice
is widespread in the area and the community patronizes the practice due to the lack of
alternative formal health service. It also found that the formal and informal pharmaceutical
market is intertwined. The research recommends the provision of needy medicines to those
who have no alternative through sustainable supply; access creation and establishment of
satellite health posts as it mitigates the practice through fighting corruption, tightening
regulation and awareness creation.
Description
Keywords
Informal pharmaceutical market, contraband, pharmaceutical regulation, qualitative, Guji, Ethiopia.