Analysis of affordable, accessible quality medicine in developing countries
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Analysis of affordability and accessibility of quality medicine in developing countries
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Rajib Kumar Sah and Prof. Harvinder Popli
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Analysis of affordability and accessibility of quality medicine in developing countries
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201910-15473
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
India's healthcare system faces significant challenges in ensuring that quality medicines are both accessible and affordable for its population, particularly those living below the poverty line. Despite advancements in the pharmaceutical sector and medical tourism, the country's public health infrastructure remains inadequate, with many patients unable to afford life-saving drugs. The government has announced initiatives like the National Health Assurance Mission (NHAM) to address these issues, yet substantial barriers continue to hinder progress.
Affordability of Medicines
One of the most pressing issues highlighted in the analysis is the high cost of medications, which serves as a major barrier to access. Despite ongoing efforts, a substantial proportion of the population relies on out-of-pocket expenses to fund their healthcare, contributing to economic disparities. The National Health Policy aims to increase healthcare expenditure but has been criticized for its slow pace and low target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025. Comparatively, neighboring countries allocate significantly more resources to healthcare, underscoring India's need for reform.
Accessibility Challenges
Access to essential medicines is uneven and often limited, resulting in high mortality rates due to treatable conditions. The study indicates that many individuals in rural areas forego necessary treatments because of financial constraints. As much as 60% of healthcare expenses stem from out-of-pocket payments, which disproportionately affects the poorest segments of society. This situation is exacerbated by an overcrowded public healthcare system, where patients frequently face challenges in finding available and affordable treatments.
Procurement and Supply Chain Management
The research emphasizes the importance of effective procurement and supply chain management in improving access to medicines. The paper suggests that centralized procurement combined with digital technology can enhance the supply of essential drugs. However, it also notes the challenges faced by states managing their own supply chains. The document advocates for leveraging technology for better distribution and availability to meet the needs of the population effectively.
Conclusion
The right to health encompasses access to quality medicines, which remains a fundamental issue in India and other developing countries. Despite ongoing efforts by pharmaceutical companies, governments, and NGOs, significant improvements are still needed. A systemic change is essential, requiring legal frameworks and accountability measures to ensure that both state and pharmaceutical entities cooperate effectively. With focused action and a commitment to equity in healthcare, it is possible to mitigate the challenges surrounding medicine affordability and accessibility, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What challenges does India face in providing quality healthcare?
India struggles with inadequate public health infrastructure and minimal availability of essential drugs, leading to high mortality rates. Many patients die due to the inability to afford necessary medications.
What is the goal of the National Health Assurance Mission (NHAM)?
The NHAM aims to ensure the availability of 50 priority essential medicines at all times for citizens living below the poverty line in India, promoting access to healthcare.
How does India's health expenditure compare to neighboring countries?
India spends only 1.4% of its GDP on health, which is less than China's 3.1% and Sri Lanka's 2%, resulting in pressure on health infrastructure and services.
What percentage of healthcare costs in India is out-of-pocket (OOP)?
Around 89.2% of medical treatment costs are borne by patients out-of-pocket, pushing millions into poverty due to healthcare expenses every year.
How is access to essential medicines linked to human rights?
Access to essential medicines is recognized as a basic human right. It highlights the obligation of the government to ensure that all individuals, especially the poor, can obtain necessary medications.
What role do pharmaceutical companies play in healthcare accessibility?
Pharmaceutical companies are crucial for increasing access to medicines. They contribute significantly by donating medications to low-income populations and collaborating with organizations to improve healthcare availability.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Analysis of affordable, accessible quality medicine in developing countries”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Medicine:
Medicines are essential for treatment and prevention of illnesses. The text discusses their availability as a fundamental right and highlights the barriers faced by citizens, particularly those living below the poverty line, in accessing necessary medications. It stresses the importance of ensuring equitable access to medicines.
2) India:
India is the focus of the study, illustrating the nation's health care challenges, particularly regarding the affordability and accessibility of quality medicines. The paper emphasizes India's shortcomings in health spending compared to its neighbors and the implications for its citizens’ health outcomes.
3) Developing:
Developing countries, like India, face significant obstacles in providing quality healthcare. This term emphasizes the challenges related to economic constraints, health infrastructure inadequacies, and limited access to essential medicines, making it crucial for governments to invest more in healthcare to improve health outcomes for their populations.
4) Quality:
Quality in healthcare refers to the standard of services and medicines available to patients. The text critiques the poor quality of health services and emphasizes the necessity for affordable, high-quality medicines, indicating that quality directly affects healthcare outcomes and patients' overall well-being.
5) Delhi:
Delhi, as the capital of India, symbolizes the heart of the country’s healthcare challenges as discussed in the paper. It serves as a focal point for patients seeking healthcare, often leading to overcrowded facilities, highlighting the urgent need for better healthcare policies and infrastructure.
6) Study (Studying):
The study referenced in the text pertains to an analysis of health expenditures and healthcare accessibility in India. It compiles various data sources to assess the challenges faced by citizens in accessing quality medicines, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare policies in developing countries.
7) Line:
The term 'line' relates to the poverty line, which is used to define the economic status of individuals or families. In the paper, it signifies the threshold below which people struggle to afford essential medicines, reflecting broader issues of economic disparity and health equity.
8) Drug:
Drugs, as mentioned throughout the text, underline the focus on pharmaceutical products that are lifesaving and essential for health maintenance. The paper discusses both the challenges of affordability and access to these drugs, illustrating the healthcare gaps present in the Indian context.
9) Indian:
Indians, denoting the people of India, are the central focus of the paper's discussion on health issues. The challenges faced by Indians in accessing quality healthcare and medicines reflect broader systemic issues, calling for an urgent reevaluation of health policies and resource allocation.
10) Lanka (Lamka, Lànkà):
Lanka, referencing Sri Lanka, is compared with India regarding health expenditures. This comparison highlights India’s lower investment in health relative to its neighbor, underlining the importance of increasing public health expenditure to improve access to healthcare and essential medicines.
11) Cina:
China is included as a benchmark for health expenditure, emphasizing India's need to improve its healthcare system in light of comparative investment levels. The text illustrates the disparities in healthcare funding between India and China, highlighting the urgency for reform in healthcare policies.
12) New Delhi:
New Delhi is referenced as the administrative capital, centralizing discussions on healthcare challenges faced by the country. It signifies the intersection of policy-making and healthcare delivery, underscoring the need for reforms and better management of health resources in the national capital.
13) Citizen:
Citizen is a singular term focusing on the individual rights and health needs of people within India. Each citizen's access to medicine and healthcare services is crucial for improving public health, showing the importance of tailored policies to meet the needs of individuals.
14) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the body of knowledge that underpins the development of medicines and healthcare technologies. It emphasizes the significance of scientific advancements in creating effective drugs and treatments, which are essential for improving public health outcomes in developing countries.
15) Reason:
Reason in this context refers to the justifications for the observed disparities in healthcare access and affordability. It promotes understanding of underlying factors such as economic constraints, infrastructure inadequacies, and systemic failures that impact the ability of citizens to obtain necessary health services.
16) Kumar:
Kumar, as used in the authors' names, emphasizes the contributions of individuals to the research on healthcare access. It signifies academic involvement and the collective effort of researchers in addressing serious health care issues affecting the Indian population.
17) Money:
Money represents the financial resources necessary for individuals to access healthcare services and medicines. The text critiques low spending on health in India and discusses how economic restrictions lead to high out-of-pocket expenditures, limiting access to essential treatments.
18) Post:
Post, as referenced in the text, likely refers to an informative platform where discussions about health policies and issues take place. It illustrates the media’s role in raising awareness about healthcare challenges and advocating for necessary reforms, impacting public opinion and policy.
19) Pur:
Poor refers to individuals or families living below the poverty line, who face significant barriers in accessing quality healthcare and medicines. The text stresses the urgency for reforms to provide affordable healthcare options to this vulnerable population, aiming to improve their overall health outcomes.
20) Jayalakshmi (Jayalaksmi, Jaya-lakshmi):
Jayalakshmi, as one of the individuals quoted, represents the voices of healthcare advocates and experts commenting on public health policies in India. Her insights contribute to understanding the complexities and necessary improvements within the healthcare system.
21) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is mentioned as a state in India noted for its effective implementation of healthcare policies. It serves as a positive example of how states can provide better access to medicines, thus highlighting the potential for other regions to replicate similar successes.
22) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan, alongside Tamil Nadu, is noted for its progressive healthcare policies. It exemplifies successful efforts in providing free medicines and treatments, suggesting that effective state-level initiatives can alleviate some of the major healthcare access barriers faced by residents.
23) Disease:
Disease signifies the health conditions that require medical interventions. The text highlights the critical importance of accessible quality medicines for treating diseases effectively, emphasizing how poor access to medicines can exacerbate health conditions and ultimately lead to adverse outcomes.
24) Kashmir:
Kashmir, mentioned within the context, underscores the regional disparities in healthcare access and infrastructure. It highlights the necessity for targeted health interventions to address specific challenges encountered in different areas of India, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
25) Company:
Company refers to pharmaceutical companies which play a pivotal role in drug production and accessibility. The text discusses the need for accountability among these companies to ensure that medicines become affordable and accessible to the populations most in need.
26) Family:
Family implies the collective impact of healthcare costs on households. The text highlights how high out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatments can lead families into poverty, stressing the necessity for affordable healthcare solutions to protect family health and economic stability.
27) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma, similar to Kumar, denotes the names of contributors or experts in the field. It suggests collaboration among researchers to advocate for better healthcare policies, highlighting the role of individuals in catalyzing change in the healthcare landscape.
28) Beggar:
Beggar is used metaphorically to describe the dire situation of families driven into poverty due to high medical expenses. The term illustrates the urgent need for reforms in the healthcare system that can prevent individuals from becoming financially incapacitated by healthcare costs.
29) Tamil:
Tamil refers to the cultural and linguistic group associated with the state of Tamil Nadu. The mention reflects the regional specificity of healthcare policies and access issues, emphasizing how localized strategies can impact health outcomes effectively.
30) Nadu:
Nadu incorporates the regional element associated with Tamil Nadu, a significant Indian state. As part of the discussion on healthcare effectiveness, it emphasizes how state-level initiatives can successfully result in improved access to medicines and healthcare services.
31) Hand:
Hand symbolizes the human aspect of healthcare, highlighting the need for compassionate and accessible treatment for patients. It emphasizes the role of healthcare providers in ensuring that patients receive necessary medicines and care without facing economic or systemic barriers.
32) Life:
Life epitomizes the ultimate goal of healthcare—preserving and enhancing human life. The text underscores the importance of affordable, quality healthcare and medicines in saving lives, particularly in a country where many citizens are unable to access necessary treatments.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Analysis of affordable, accessible quality medicine in developing countries’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Life-saving drug, Universal Health Coverage, Healthcare delivery, Public health infrastructure, Supply chain management, Health expenditure, Healthcare cost, Health budget, Out-of-pocket expenses, Health financing, Generic medicine, Government Hospital.