Improving on the Accessibility and Availability of Essential Drugs in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State

Abstract

In this research the accessibility and accessibility of essential drugs in private and public facilities have been surveyed in the Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State with solutions proffered on how to improve upon the accessibility and availability of these essential drugs by respondents via structured questionnaires. About 37 (40.2%) of the respondents were of the opinion that drug suppliers should be paid on time to enable them extend credit facilities and also the cost of drugs should be reduced to make the drugs more affordable. 27 (29.3%) respondents called for the enforcement of relevant drug policies, avoid corruption which meant diversion of monies that should be used to purchase essential drugs for the populace and multiple prescriptions should be discouraged. About 20% of the respondents were of the opinion that there should be effective transportation and distribution of drug products so that stock outs will be avoided when the drugs are taken to places where they will be effectively utilized and the incidences of expired drugs will be minimized with less wastage. More so, about 15% of the respondent believed that health personnel should be trained in inventory management of drugs and public education on drug use should be enhanced. In addition, storage facilities of drugs should be improved and finally about 7% of the respondents believed that making pharmacists in charge of distribution and sales of drug will improve accessibility and availability. Furthermore, the research shows 16.19 % and 44.76 %; OB and GB overall drug availability in the public health facilities respectively and 64.76 % and 82.3 0 %, OB and GB overall drug availability in the private health facilities indicating a higher drug availability in the private facilities. In facilities, Salbutamol inhaler 0.1mg dose and Glibenclamide 5mg tablets are the most readily accessible and available drugs.

Keywords: Improving, availability, accessibility, essential drugs.