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Zhang J, Xu S, Liu X, Zhang J, Hu S, Liu X, Yang C, Fang Y. Time trends and regional variation in utilization of antidiabetic medicines in China, 2015-2022. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:2752-2760. [PMID: 38618979 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
AIM To assess the use of non-insulin antidiabetic medicines in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analysed the national procurement data for 29 non-insulin antidiabetic medicines from nine subgroups in China from 2015 to 2022. We estimated the number of defined daily doses (DDDs) procured per year in seven regions of China for nine subgroups and adjusted the data by the number of patients with diabetes. For each subgroup, the regional ratio was calculated by comparing the procurement per patient in each region with the procurement nationwide. The regional disparity was the difference between the highest and lowest regional ratios. We compared the medication patterns across regions. RESULTS Nationally, between 2015 and 2022, the number of DDDs per patient increased from 14.45 to 47.37. The two most commonly used categories were sulphonylurea and biguanides, which increased from 7.04 to 15.39 (119%) and 3.28 to 11.11 (239%) DDDs per patient, respectively. The procurement of new drugs (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) increased quickly and had >5000% relative changes. Particularly for sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors, it increased from 0.08 to 5.03 DDDs (6662%). The southwest region had the highest relative change (319%), while the southern region had the lowest (118%). Biguanide and thiazolidinediones had the lowest (1.19) and highest level (2.21) of regional disparity in 2022, respectively. CONCLUSION The procurement of non-insulin antidiabetic medicines in China has increased a lot from 2015 to 2022. In terms of DDDs per patient, sulphonylurea ranked first, followed by metformin. The procurement of new drugs increased greatly. A large regional disparity existed in medicine usage and patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqiong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Centre for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Centre for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Centre for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Centre for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuchen Hu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Centre for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Centre for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Centre for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Zhang J, Hu S, Liu X, Liu X, Zhang J, Yang C, Fang Y. Time trends and regional variations in prices of anticancer medicines in China. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1397784. [PMID: 38813105 PMCID: PMC11133614 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1397784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction High prices, as a main factor, contributed to the lack of adequate access to essential anticancer medicines, especially for patients in developing countries. The Chinese Government has introduced a series of policies to control the prices of medicines during the last decade, but the effect on anticancer medicine is not yet clear. Methods To evaluate the time trends and regional variation in the price of essential anticancer medicines in China, we used the procurement data of anticancer medicines from 2015 to 2022. We selected 29 anticancer medicines from the 2018 Chinese National Essential Medicines List. To measure the cost of a medicine, we used defined daily dose cost -the cost per defined daily doses. At national level, we focused on the price changes over time and compared the price between medicine categories. At provincial level, we assessed price variation among provinces over time. Results For prices at the national level, all 6 targeted medicines exhibited a continuous decrease trend in price. Out of 23 non-targeted medicines, 4 (17·39%) experienced continuous increases in prices, and 9 (39·13%) showed price decreases from 2015 to 2019 and then an upward trend during 2019-2022; Of the remaining non-targeted medicines, 7 (30·43%) had continuous price decreases and 3 (13.04%) had price increases followed by decreases. For prices at the provincial level, provincial price variation became smaller for almost all targeted medicines, except rituximab; for 11 out of 23 non-targeted medicines, provincial price variations became larger. During the study period, the proportion of price-increased medicines in each province was geographically correlated, and no significant relationship between prices and GDP per capita was observed for both targeted and non-targeted anticancer medicines. Conclusion The prices and regional disparity of most targeted anticancer medicines were decreasing, while for nearly half of the non-targeted anticancer medicines, the prices were increasing and the regional disparity became wider, which may lead to compromised access to these essential anticancer medicines and raise inequity health outcome among regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shuchen Hu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaoyong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Zhang M, Zou K, Liu Z, Liu D, Wang X, Shi Y, Chen Z, Cheng X, Lang B, Li H, Zeng L, Tang Y, Zhao S, Jiang Y, Choonara I, Zhang L. Availability of essential medicines, progress and regional distribution in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1149838. [PMID: 37181691 PMCID: PMC10167309 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1149838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Essential medicines are the backbone of healthcare and meet the priority healthcare needs of the population. However, approximately one-third of the global population does not have access to essential medicines. Although China formulated essential medicine policies in 2009, the progress of availability of essential medicines and regional variations remains unknown. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the availability of essential medicines, their progress, and regional distribution in China in the last decade. Methods We searched eight databases from their inception to February 2022, relevant websites, and reference lists of included studies. Two reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias independently. Meta-analyses were performed to quantify the availability of essential medicines, their progress, and regional distribution. Results Overall 36 cross-sectional studies conducted from 2009 to 2019 were included, with regional data for 14 provinces. The availability of essential medicines in 2015-2019 [28.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 26.4-29.9%] was similar to that in 2009-2014 (29.4%, 95% CI: 27.5-31.3%); lower in the Western region (19.8%, 95% CI: 18.1-21.5%) than Eastern (33.8%, 95% CI: 31.6-36.1%) and Central region (34.5%, 95% CI: 30.6-38.5%); very low for 8 Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) categories (57.1%), and low for 5 categories (35.7%) among all ATC groups. Conclusion The availability of essential medicines in China is low compared with the World Health Organization goal, has not changed much in the last decade, is unequal across regions, and lacks data for half of provinces. For policy-making, the monitoring system of the availability of essential medicines is to be strengthened to enable long-term surveillance, especially in provinces where the data has been missing. Meanwhile, Joint efforts from all stakeholders are warranted to improve the availability of essential medicines in China toward the universal health coverage target. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=315267, identifier: PROSPERO CRD42022315267.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiuli Wang
- Healthcare Evaluation and Organizational Analysis (HEOA) Group, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingchen Lang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Hailong Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Linan Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Tang
- School of Economics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaoyang Zhao
- School of Economics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongmu Jiang
- School of Economics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Imti Choonara
- Academic Division of Child Health, University of Nottingham, Derbyshire Children's Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Lingli Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Wang P, Li S, Wang Z, Jiao M, Zhang Y, Huang W, Ning N, Gao L, Shan L, Li Y, Wu Q. Perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system among the insured: a mixed methods research of a northern city in China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1043153. [PMID: 37139382 PMCID: PMC10149763 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1043153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system among the insured not only reflect the system's performance but also the public's basic medical insurance policy literacy, valuable information for countries that have entered the stage of deepening reform. This study aims to examine the factors that affect the perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system in China, diagnose the key problems, and propose corresponding measures for improvement. Methods A mixed method design was used. Data for the quantitative study were obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire survey (n = 1,045) of residents of Harbin who had enrolled for basic medical insurance system. A quota sampling method was further adopted. A multivariate logistic regression model was then employed to identify the factors influencing the perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system, followed by semi-structured interviews with 30 conveniently selected key informants. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Results Approximately 44% of insured persons reported low perceptions of benefits. The logistic regression model showed that low perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system was positively correlated with the experience of daily drug purchases (OR = 1.967), perceptions of recognition with basic medical insurance system (OR = 1.948), perceptions of the financial burden of participation costs (OR = 1.887), perceptions of the convenience of using basic medical insurance for medical treatment (OR = 1.770), perceptions of the financial burden of daily drug purchases costs (OR = 1.721), perceptions of the financial burden of hospitalization costs (OR = 1.570), and type of basic medical insurance system (OR = 1.456). The results of the qualitative analysis showed that the key problem areas of perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system were: (I) system design of basic medical insurance; (II) intuitive cognition of the insured; (III) rational cognition of the insured; and (IV) the system environment. Conclusions Improving the perceptions of the benefits of the basic medical insurance system of the insured requires joint efforts in improving system design and implementation, exploring effective publicity methods of basic medical insurance system information, supporting public policy literacy, and promoting the health system environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuyi Li
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhizhen Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingli Jiao
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Weiqi Huang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ning Ning
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lijun Gao
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linghan Shan
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qunhong Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Dong Z, Zhang S, Wu S, Xie X, Sun G, Yu X. Study on the accessibility and affordability of 50 drugs in Wuhan based on the WHO/HAI standardization method. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1108007. [PMID: 36778547 PMCID: PMC9911549 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1108007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand the availability and affordability of essential drugs in Wuhan since the implementation of the national essential medicine system, and to provide a basis for the subsequent formulation and improvement of related policies. Methods Using the standard survey method jointly developed by the WHO and Health Action International (HAI), a sample of 50 essential drugs was selected to investigate and evaluate their availability and affordability in public medical and health institutions and social retail pharmacies in Wuhan, using six diseases with high clinical morbidity as the targets. Results The availability of the original drug and the lowest-priced generic drug in public hospitals is 26.4 and 42.47% respectively, and that in retail pharmacies is 26.8 and 54.4% respectively. The median price ratio of the original drug and the lowest-priced generic drug is 28.71 and 2.23 respectively in public hospitals, and 29.24 and 3.59 respectively in retail pharmacies; In addition to individual drugs, such as omeprazole, others are affordable. The availability of essential drugs in public hospitals in Wuhan is lower than that in social retail pharmacies, and the availability of the lowest-priced generic drugs is much higher than that of original drugs. Conclusion The availability of essential drugs in public hospitals in Wuhan is lower than that in social retail pharmacies, and the availability of the lowest-priced generic drugs is much higher than that of original drugs. The price of the original drug is much higher than the international reference price; The price of medicines in public hospitals is lower than that in retail pharmacies;the overall condition of affordability is good, but there is a big gap between the affordability levels of original drugs and generic drugs, and the affordability of original drugs is relatively poor. It is recommended to adjust the relevant policies according to the actual situation of Wuhan city itself, moderately ensure the supply of original drugs, improve the price transparency of retail pharmacies, and ensure that the basic drug needs of the public are met.
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Mohammed SA, Tsehay T, Faris AG, Mengstu G. Availability, price, and affordability of medicines used for the management of Covid-19 in health facilities of Dessie town WHO/HAI survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279465. [PMID: 36542641 PMCID: PMC9770383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapidly spreading nature of Covid-19 virus associated with its high mortality and mortality rate is triggering an unprecedented public health crisis. The study assessed the availability, price, and affordability of medicines used in the management of Covid-19 in health facilities of Dessie town. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed in the health facilities of Dessie town from September 1 to September 20, 2021. Data was collected using a standard checklist adopted from the Logistics Indicator Assessment Tool and WHO/HAI. WHO/HAI methodology was applied to select the surveyed health facilities (30) and medicines (44). The daily wage of the lowest-paid unskilled government worker is used to estimate affordability. RESULTS Fifteen and five medicines were not found at all public and private health facilities, respectively. The originator brand (OB) and lowest price generic (LPG) availability in private health facilities was 2.03% and 51.33%, respectively. In the public sector, the availability of OB and LPG was 0% and 34.44%, respectively. In public and private health facilities, the mean number of stock-outs was 2.25 and 2.91, and the mean number of stock-out days was 177.83 and 106.16 days, respectively. Eight and one LPG medicines were out of stock in public and private health facilities, respectively. Eight (33.33%) and 6 (28.57%) had higher prices than international prices in private and public health facilities, respectively. The median price ratio in public and private health facilities ranged from 0.02 and 3.05 and 0.04 to 2.70, respectively. Eighty percent of the products were unaffordable in both sectors. CONCLUSIONS The availability of medicines was low. One-third of the medicines had higher prices than international prices. Eighty percent of the products were unaffordable. The regular supply of these medicines is crucial for better management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ahmed Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Tessema Tsehay
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Getie Faris
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Mengstu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Strohbehn GW, Cooperrider JH, Yang D, Fendrick AM, Ratain MJ, Zaric GS. Pfizer and Palbociclib in China: Analyzing an Oncology Pay-for-Performance Plan. Value Health Reg Issues 2022; 31:34-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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The Effect of Medical Choice on Health Costs of Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Chronic Disease: Based on Principal-Agent Theory. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137570. [PMID: 35805231 PMCID: PMC9265286 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The discussion on how to reduce the health costs of chronic disease patients has become an important public health issue. Limited research has been conducted on how chronic disease patients’ medical choice of public and private medical institutions affect health costs. (2) Methods: This study used the panel data composed of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2018, adopted the quasi-natural experimental research method, and set up a control group and an experimental group that chose public medical institutions and private medical institutions, to analyze the association between the medical choice and health costs of chronic disease patients. (3) Results: Compared with chronic disease patients who chose private medical institutions, patients who chose public medical institutions increased their total cost by 44.9%, total out-of-pocket cost by 22.9%, and decreased the total out-of-pocket ratio by 0.117%, total drug cost out-of-pocket ratio by 0.075%, and drug cost ratio by 0.102%. (4) Conclusions: According to the triple principal-agent relationships, the resource advantages given by the government to public medical institutions, the salary incentive system of medical institutions, and the information asymmetry advantage held by physicians may be important factors for the increase in health costs for chronic disease patients.
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Chen X, Zhang T, Wang H, Feng Z, Jin G, Shao S, Du J. Factors influencing the prescription pattern of essential medicines from the perspectives of general practitioners and patients: a qualitative study in China. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055091. [PMID: 35545386 PMCID: PMC9096529 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative study aimed to explore the factors influencing the prescription patterns of essential medicines (EMs) from the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and patients in Beijing, China. DESIGN The qualitative study was conducted using individual in-depth interviews. SETTING This study was conducted from January to August 2020, in community health service centres (CHSCs) across six urban districts of Beijing, China. PARTICIPANTS A total of 17 GPs from 17 CHSCs in 6 urban districts and 22 patients with non-communicable diseases from three CHSCs in the three urban districts of Beijing were recruited using the purposive sampling method and a three-stage sampling strategy, respectively. RESULTS Five major themes were identified among factors influencing the prescription pattern of EMs: (1) efficacy and safety of medicines, (2) prescription recommendations from physicians in tertiary or secondary hospitals, (3) patients' medication preference, (4) financial status of patients and (5) minimum requirement for the prescription of EMs. CONCLUSION The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the factors influencing the prescription patterns and utilisation of EMs from the perspectives of GPs and patients, respectively. Policymakers should implement policies and measures to promote the National Essential Medicines System in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Chen
- School of General Practice and Continuing Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tiancheng Zhang
- School of General Practice and Continuing Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huanling Wang
- Department of General Practice, ShuangJing Community Health Service Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengwen Feng
- School of General Practice and Continuing Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghui Jin
- School of General Practice and Continuing Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Shao
- School of General Practice and Continuing Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- School of General Practice and Continuing Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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10
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Wang X, He X, Ren Y, Zhang Z, Cai L, Cao Z, Li X. Evaluating the Price, Availability, and Affordability of Essential Medicines in Primary Healthcare Institutions: A Mixed Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Study in Jiangsu, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:860471. [PMID: 35493374 PMCID: PMC9039261 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.860471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the price, availability, and affordability of essential medicines in primary healthcare institutions in Jiangsu Province.MethodsA mixed longitudinal and cross-sectional survey was conducted in primary healthcare institutions in Jiangsu based on the adjusted World Health Organization and Health Action International methodology. 45 essential medicines were collected from 30 primary healthcare institutions in Nanjing from 2016 to 2020. We also collected information on these medicines in 70 primary healthcare institutions across seven cities of Jiangsu in 2021. The availability, price, and affordability were compared with matched sets. Differences of availability between years and cities were further compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test.ResultsIn Nanjing, the variation was significant of availability during the study period. The MPR was generally decreasing between 2016 and 2020, with the median price ratio (MPR) for lowest-priced generics (LPGs) ranging from 1.20 to 2.53 and originator brands (OBs) substantially above international levels. The median availability of generic medicines increased in 2018 and subsequently stabilized at around 55%, and the availability of originator medicines was low. There were no significant regional differences in prices across the sampled cities in Jiangsu, and the median MPR for LPGs was acceptable (1.23), while the median MPR for OBs was 8.54. The mean availability was different across regions (p < 0.001), being higher in Nanjing (54.67%) and Nantong (56.22%), and lower in northern Jiangsu (about 35%). For LPGs, there was little difference in the proportion of medicines with low availability and high affordability (50.00% for urban residents and 40.48% for rural residents). For OBs, there were more than half of rural residents had low availability and low affordability of medicines (58.82%).ConclusionsIn terms of yearly changes, the prices of essential medicines have considerably decreased, and the availability of LPGs has slightly increased. However, the availability of medicines was found to be poor and there were regional differences in the availability and affordability of medicines among metropolitan and rural areas. Policy interventions targeting external factors associated with health resource allocation are essential and possible strategies include effective and efficient government investment mechanisms on primary healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuan He
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqin Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuolin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lele Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaoliu Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Li
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11
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Nguyen HTT, Dinh DX, Nguyen TD, Nguyen VM. Availability, prices and affordability of essential medicines: A cross-sectional survey in Hanam province, Vietnam. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260142. [PMID: 34793554 PMCID: PMC8601520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure medicines' prices, availability, and affordability in Hanam, Vietnam. METHODS The standardized methodology developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Action International was used to survey 30 essential medicines (EMs) in 30 public health facilities and 35 private medicine outlets in 2020. The availability of medicine was computed as the percentage of health facilities in which this medicine was found on the data-collection day. International reference prices (IRPs) from Management Sciences for Health (2015) were used to compute Median Price Ratio (MPR). The affordability of treatments for common diseases was computed as the number of days' wages of the lowest-paid unskilled government worker needed to purchase medicines prescribed at a standard dose. Statistic analysis was done using R software version 4.1.1. RESULTS The mean availability of originator brands (OBs) and lowest-priced generics (LPGs) was 0.7%, 63.2% in the public sector, and 13.7%, 47.9% in the private sector, respectively. In private medicine outlets, the mean availability of both OBs and LPGs in urban areas was significantly higher than that in rural areas (p = 0.0013 and 0.0306, respectively). In the public sector, LPGs' prices were nearly equal to their IRPs (median MPRs = 0.95). In the private medicine outlets, OBs were generally sold at 6.24 times their IRPs while this figure for LPGs was 1.65. The affordability of LPGs in both sectors was good for all conditions, with standard treatments costing a day's wage or less. CONCLUSION In both sectors, generic medicines were the predominant product type available. The availability of EMs was fairly high but still lower than WHO's benchmark. A national-scale study should be conducted to provide a comprehensive picture of the availability, prices, and affordability of EMs, thereby helping the government to identify the urgent priorities and improving access to EMs in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Thi Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and PharmacoEconomics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi city, Vietnam
| | - Dai Xuan Dinh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management and PharmacoEconomics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi city, Vietnam
- * E-mail:
| | - Trung Duc Nguyen
- Pharmacy Department, 108 Military Center Hospital, Hanoi city, Vietnam
| | - Van Minh Nguyen
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi city, Vietnam
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