biostudies-literatureUnknown28(6)Hughes R<h4>Background</h4>Increasing recognition of the importance of medicine sellers in low-resource settings has emerged alongside assumptions that their motives and capacities primarily relate to profit maximization. This article suggests a need to reframe thinking about the role of medicine sellers in developing country health systems.<h4>Methods</h4>We used in-depth interviews to explore perceptions of medicine seller roles among a restricted random sample of 20 medicine sellers in North-West Cameroon. Interviews and analysis explored self-perception of their work/role, community perceptions, skills and knowledge, regulation, future plans, links with the formal health system and diversity among medicine sellers.<h4>Results</h4>Medicine sellers in our study were a varied, yet distinct group.Health policy and planning636-46https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3753882biostudies-literatureMedicine sellers' perspectives on their role in providing health care in North-West Cameroon: a qualitative study.PMC3753882Hughes RChandler CRMbacham WMangham-Jefferies LJfalseMedicine sellers' perspectives on their role in providing health care in North-West Cameroon: a qualitative study.<h4>Background</h4>Increasing recognition of the importance of medicine sellers in low-resource settings has emerged alongside assumptions that their motives and capacities primarily relate to profit maximization. This article suggests a need to reframe thinking about the role of medicine sellers in developing country health systems.<h4>Methods</h4>We used in-depth interviews to explore perceptions of medicine seller roles among a restricted random sample of 20 medicine sellers in North-West Cameroon. Interviews and analysis explored self-perception of their work/role, community perceptions, skills and knowledge, regulation, future plans, links with the formal health system and diversity among medicine sellers.<h4>Results</h4>Medicine sellers in our study were a varied, yet distinct group.2013-01-01T00:00:00Z2013 Sep2025-04-04T22:06:42.33Z2019-03-27T00:13:22ZS-EPMC37538822319743210.1093/heapol/czs103