ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension is a serious global public health problem. It accounts for 10% of all deaths in India and is the leading non-communicable disease. Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of hypertension is 25% in urban and 10% in rural people in India. It exerts a substantial public health burden on cardiovascular health status and health care systems in India. Antihypertensive treatment effectively reduces hypertension related morbidity and mortality. The cost of medications has always been a barrier to effective treatment. The increasing prevalence of hypertension requires use of cost effective treatment for the effective management of the disease.Methods: Cost of a particular drug (cost per 10 tablets) in the same strength and dosage forms being manufactured by different companies was obtained from Current Index of Medical Specialties, Jan?April 2019 and “Indian Drug Review” (IDR) September 2018. Difference between the maximum and minimum cost of the same drug manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies was calculated and percentage cost variation was calculated.Results: The prices of a total of 24 drugs (15 single and 9 combination preparations), available in 59 different formulations were analysed. These 62 formulations are manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies.Conclusions: The average percentage price variation of different brands of the same oral antihypertensive drug manufactured in India is very wide. The appraisal and management of marketing drugs should be directed toward maximizing the benefits of therapy and minimizing negative personal and economic consequences.
ABSTRACT
Background: topical eye preparations are very commonly used in India for different eye diseases hence their prices should not be much different in Indian pharmaceutical industry. The common man therefore has to shell out more money with medicine prices spinning out of his reach. Aim of this study was to compare the cost of drugs of the different brand of topical ophthalmic drugs.Methods: cost of various topical eye preparations was compared using “Current Index of Medical Specialties” (CIMS) January-April 2019 and cost variation was recorded. Drugs were categorized into anti-infective and antiseptics, topical corticosteroids, mydriatics, anti-glaucoma drugs, anti-inflammatory and lubricants.Results: That of the 26 drug formulations studied, the percentage cost variation of 10 drug formulations was more than 100%, out of which one formulation of moxifloxacin had more than 1000% variation. Cost ratio of 10 drug formulations were more than two. Moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops had maximum percentage cost variation of 5610.66% and cost ratio of 57.11, followed by ofloxacin 0.30% eye drops (310.92%, 4.11), timolol 0.50% eye drops (263.64%, 3.64), ciprofloxacin 0.30% eye drops (142.42%, 2.42), tobramycin 0.30% eye drops (120.14%, 2.20).Conclusions: There is a significant variation in the price of various topical eye preparations. As most of the preparations being prescribed on an out-patient basis, which was not covered under most of the insurance program. Out of pocket expenditure adversely affects the drug compliance in the long run. There should be a comprehensive action from policymakers, regulatory authorities, government agencies, doctors, pharmacists, and the general public to solve this issue of cost variation of drugs.
ABSTRACT
Background: Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. One of the most cost-effective and easy methods for child survival is immunization. The objective of study was to assess the immunization coverage in the rural area of Dhule.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted by using WHO 30x7 cluster sampling technique in Primary Health Centre, Kheda catchment villages among children aged 12-23 months on the day of survey. The total sample size was found out to be 210. Identification of clusters was done as per WHO manual on 30×7 cluster survey. Interviews were conducted as per a structured interview format in households with eligible children. Data feeding was done in MS Excel sheet.Results: Full immunization coverage (FIC) was found out to be 58.6%. Drop-out rate was calculated to be 22.95%. The main reason for not completing the immunization was unaware to return for subsequent vaccine doses.Conclusions: Coverage evaluation of vaccines was found out to be 58.6%. Drop-out rate is high.