Unequal budgeting and limited WHO AWaRe Access antibiotics in Punjab: procurement policy gaps in Pakistan's National Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Procurement-side stewardship - unaddressed by Pakistan's National Action Plan (NAP) against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - is critical in ensuring access to needed antibiotics to curb AMR. However, a fragmented procurement model, disconnected from updated clinical evidence and inconsiderate towards budgetary allocation, is being implemented in Pakistan, affecting access to antibiotics. This study seeks to understand the implications of the current procurement policy on access to antibiotics.

Method

This study offers a descriptive content analysis of the Standard Medicine List (SML), a procurement policy currently implemented in Punjab's primary and secondary healthcare facilities (PSHFs). Using procurement data from one of the DHA's of Rawalpindi division and bu

SUBMITTER: Afzal S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12548248 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature