Variation in the availability and cost of essential medicines for non-communicable diseases in Uganda: A descriptive time series analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Availability of essential medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is poor in low- and middle-income countries. Availability and cost are conventionally assessed using cross-sectional data. However, these characteristics may vary over time.

Methods

We carried out a prospective, descriptive analysis of the availability and cost of essential medicines in 23 Ugandan health facilities over a five-week period. We surveyed facility pharmacies in-person up to five times, recording availability and cost of 19 essential medicines for NCDs and four essential medicines for communicable diseases.

Results

Availability of medicines varied substantially over time, especially among public facilities. Among private-for-profit facilities, the cost of the same medicine

SUBMITTER: Armstrong-Hough M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7757794 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature