Unintended Consequences and Hidden Obstacles in Medicine Access in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT: Many life-saving drugs are still inaccessible and unaffordable in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This contributes to poor health outcomes, wider health and socioeconomic inequities, and higher patient spending on healthcare. While resource limitations facing national regulatory authorities (NRAs) contribute to the problem, we believe that (1) fragmented and complex drug regulations, (2) suboptimal enforcement of existing regulations, and (3) poorly designed disincentives for non-compliance play a larger role. These "unintended consequences" that are a direct result of our current regulatory regimes limit competition, keep drug costs high, and lead to shortages and the proliferation of illegitimate and unregistered drugs. While NRAs can gain a lot from

SUBMITTER: Barton I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6873739 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature