Abstract:
Most leading causes of death and disability in developing countries can be prevented,
treated, or at least alleviated with cost effective essential drugs. However, hundreds of
millions of people do not have regular access to essential drugs despite the fact that
essential drugs can prevent many deaths.
The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with essential drugs
shortages in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities (i.e. clinics and community health
centres) in Mopani District in the Limpopo Province. Forty-five facilities were
selected by means of stratified (by sub-district) random sampling. Forty-five
professional nurses, who were in charge of the facility on the day of the interviews,
were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Six
pharmacists, from the six hospitals that supply drugs to the PHC facilities, were
interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A one-on-one informal interview was
held with 2 Hospital Superintendents and the Acting Provincial Chief Pharmaceutical
Director. The study was both a retrospective and prospective observational study
based on review of historical data, interviews with key players and direct observation
of current practice. The tools used to collect and analyse the data were based on those
developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Health Systems Trust
(HST) with some adjustments and adaptation.
The District STI Quality of Care (DISCA) Tool was used in the other thirty-six
facilities, at which the structured questionnaire was not administered, to test
prescribing indicators in relation to diagnosis, the correctness of and dosage of drugs
dispensed and also drugs availability.
