Background: Lack of
access to essential medicines is one of the most important public health
problems in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to verify availability, affordability and prices of essential medicines in primary health care units and private medicine outlets of
South Wollo Zone. Methods:
A facility-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in 10 primary health care units and 10
private medicine outlets. Data were collected through patient exit interview,
record review, observation and interview of relevant bodies. Medicines prices
were compared with international reference prices to obtain a median price
ratio. The daily wage of the lowest paid government worker had been used to
measure medicines affordability. Chi-square test and their p-values at the
level of significance of 5% were used to define statistical associations. Odds
ratios and their 95% confidence interval were used to look into the strength of
association. Results: Average availability of essential medicines in primary
health care units and private medicine outlets was 85.5% and 91.1%
respectively. Based on prescriptions filled, 94% of the patients left the facility
with all the prescribed medicines. The median price ratio of lowest price
generics was 0.92, 1.25 and 1.76 times the international reference price for
public procurement price, public sector dispensing price and private sector retail price, respectively. Among the total
respondents that sought treatment, 56% incurred costs of more than 12.65 Birr
on medicines. Conclusion: The survey revealed efficient public procurement
price, acceptable retail price and higher availability in both the public and
private sectors; however medicines were less affordable in both sectors. Different financing options could improve the affordability of essential
medicines for low-income population.
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