ILLEGAL DRUG STORES IN ZAMBIA

PRESENTED BY A. PHIRIARTHUR DAVISON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Presented to CSO workshop in Ndola on 29 August 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Background2. Effects of illegal drug stores3. A model of combating the problem4. Recommending the ADDO model of Tanzania5. Recommendations6. Conclusion

1. BACKGROUND

• Zambia is a large country being about 752,000km and having a population of approximately 13.5m people.

• Having about 100 registered Pharmacies with most of them situated along the line of rail.

CONTINUATION

• A drug store is an outlet that is permitted to operate within a very restricted medicine range.

• An illegal drug store is that which sales medicines not on the agreed list.

2. EFFECTS OF ILLEGAL DRUG STORES

• Sale POM medicines • Buy drugs from unregistered manufacturers/

brief case suppliers.• Poor storage of drugs.• No drug counseling being done.• Treatment failure.• Sadly may lead to death of a client.

3. COMBATING THE PROBLEM

• Having more Registered Pharmacies in the outskirts.

• More offices for the Regulatory Authority in different districts/ towns.

• Employing more inspectors.• Fight corruption.• Prevent erratic supply of drugs.• Stiff punishment for offenders.

ADDO MODEL OF TANZANIA

• Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlet (ADDO)• The goal of the ADDO program was to

increase access to essentials medicines through utilization of the private sector.

• ADDO authorized medicines list.• Funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

in 2000.

CONTINUATION

• Decentralize drug distribution.• Decentralized regulatory oversight.

MINIMUM REQUIRED STANDARDS

• Shop location and building.• Personnel training and continuing education.• Drug availability.• Drug quality.• Stock control, handling and record keeping• Sanitation and hygiene of the premises and

personnel.

RECOMENDATIONS

• With the stock outs of essential medicines being experienced in our health facilities,

• The ADDO program would be helpful in delivering essential drugs.

CONCLUSION

• Every Zambian has a right to quality, accessible, affordable and effective medicines, Hence, finding a sustainable solution has to be the target of the Ministry of Health in particular the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority as well as other related stakeholders in the Pharmaceutical Industry.

THE ENDTHANK YOU