Prof. Fenta, Teferi GedifDr. Habte, Bruck MesseleShonora, Feyissa2021-01-242023-11-062021-01-242023-11-062020-07http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/24797Background: 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.en-USInformal pharmaceutical market, contraband, pharmaceutical regulation, qualitative, Guji, Ethiopia.Thesis