2nd World Congress on
Primary Healthcare and Medicare Summit

Biography:

Dawit Kumilachew has his expertise in pharmaceutical supply chain management and passion in improving health and wellbeing through improved pharmaceuticals availability and utilization. He has conducted this research after years of experience in research, evaluation, teaching and community service both in hospital and educational institution. The study was conducted after thorough assessment of the problem and based on a series of scientific procedures and methodologies. He is currently working as a lecturer at department of Pharmaceutics and social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, college of medicine and health sciences, university of Gondar. He has a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and MSc in pharmaceutical supply chain management. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Besides their substantial lifesaving importance, medications can also be disastrous when inappropriately taken and managed. Medications waste management is of a great importance because of the potential environmental hazards and public health risks. A significant amount of potentially effective and lifesaving medications were wasted at the health facilities due to lack of a system for checking their effectiveness and returning them to the system. Medication wastage at the health facilities is a huge concern due to wastage of potentially useful medications as well as the costs associated with disposal of those medications. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of unused medications and related consequences in selected health facilities of Awi zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A facility-based cross-sectional study design supplemented by a qualitative approach was employed. Descriptive data were collected using checklists while interviews were conducted with respective personnel at the health facilities. Findings: A total of 4 health facilities were included in the study. During the 1 month of study period, 56 types of medications were found unused at the health facilities. Anti-infective medications were the most commonly unused medications 36.4%. At the in-patient departments of the 4 hospitals, a total of 173 medications were found unused. Similarly, 605 medications were found wasted at the pharmacy stores of those hospitals in the 2009 fiscal year. Conclusion & Significance: A significant amount of unused medications were present at the health facilities. Health facilities need to monitor health professionals strictly follow national and international treatment guidelines and monitor the rational use of medications. There should also be a reverse logistics system in the pharmaceuticals supply system of the country for the proper management of unused medications at the health facilities.