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A pharmaceutical warehouse is part of the pharmaceutical supply chain and is essential to maintaining the quality and efficacy of veterinary pharmaceuticals for successful animal health service delivery. However, poor storage conditions, improper handling, and inappropriate use and disposal constitute challenges for veterinary supplies in animal health services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the existing practices and challenges in warehouse management in government veterinary clinics and private veterinary drug wholesalers in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 veterinary health facilities in four selected zones (south Gondar, west Gondar, central Gondar, and west Gojam zones) and Bahir Dar administrative city. Zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, pre-defined and tested observational checklists, and semi-structured interview guides. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The study revealed the presence of poor stock management practices, such as the absence of standard operating procedures for warehouse activities in ~59.5% of facilities surveyed. In none of the surveyed facilities, bin cards and system software utilization were satisfactory. The absence of disposal guidelines was detected in 83.8% of the facilities, and the practice of timely disposal of expired drugs was not satisfactory. Compared to the government veterinary clinics, private veterinary drug wholesalers had better storage practices (86.25%) following theoretical recommendations. The storage conditions in government clinics were rated poor at 48.3% (>80%, which is the limit to the acceptable rate for good storage conditions). The challenges of inadequate infrastructure, a lack of qualified staff, problems with the availability and affordability of pharmaceutical products, insufficient regulatory practice, and budget constraints were identified. A holistic approach involving related stakeholders should be followed to improve the existing challenges and the sector's efficiency.
RESUMO
Background: The intentional and illegal misrepresentation of fake medications involves falsely indicating their source. These fraudulent medications can include products that contain either accurate or incorrect ingredients, lack proper labeling, have insufficient quantities of ingredients, and are packaged with counterfeit packaging. This unlawful activity has led to treatment failures, the development of antibiotic resistance, adverse effects, and even deaths. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice, and regulatory status of veterinary drug experts in the central Gondar zone of Ethiopia regarding counterfeit veterinary medications. Methods: From January 2023 to July 2023, a self-administered structured questionnaire was utilized to conduct a cross-sectional study in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The analysis of the data involved the application of descriptive and chi-square tests. Results: The study revealed that the majority of professionals possessed a work experience ranging from 5 to 9 years (23; 56.1%). Additionally, a total of 25 individuals (61.0%) who participated in the research had not undergone any kind of training. It was observed that a significant proportion of participants (82.9%) possessed knowledge about counterfeit veterinary drugs. Only about 63% and 36% of respondents had high knowledge and good practice concerning veterinary counterfeit drugs, respectively. Only 29.3% of participants have reported practices. Furthermore, a poor regulatory level of coordination was detected (85.4%). The study revealed a significant (χ2 =7.6165; p = 0.022) disparity between the respondents' practice levels and training. Respondents' regulatory levels were also significantly associated (p < 0.05) with their sex (χ2 = 13.34; p = 0.001) and work experience (χ2 = 13.64; p = 0.033). The research findings also revealed a noteworthy correlation between practice and regulatory activity (χ2 = 15.0463; p = 0.005). Conclusion: The study outlines the necessity of awareness initiatives, with a focus on the significance of veterinary experts' knowledge, practice, and regulatory efforts in addressing the issue of counterfeit veterinary medications.
RESUMO
Introduction: Medicine plays a crucial role in the field of healthcare as a therapeutically significant pharmaceutical product. By effectively preventing diseases, medicine has the power to save countless lives and improve the quality of life for people worldwide. However, despite hospitals' efforts to provide medical care to patients, a significant issue arises from the substantial amount of drugs that go unused due to expiration dates. This problem is particularly prevalent in resource-limited countries like Ethiopia, where the pharmaceutical supply system fails to adequately address the issue of expired drugs in public hospitals, leading to an unsatisfactory situation. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the economic impact and volume of expired medicines in the selected public hospitals in Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted to assess the economic impact and volume of expired medicines available in the public hospitals in Jimma Zone. All available hospitals that fulfilled the EFDA guidelines were included. The medication expiration rate was calculated by dividing the total monetary value of expired medicines in a year by the total value of medicines received in the same year multiplied by 100. Then, the collected data was cleared, filtered, coded, and quantitatively analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2010 version. Results: The average medicine waste rate was 4.87% in the fiscal year of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 in Jimma Zone public hospitals worth 32,453.3 US$. Additionally, the facility wasted an estimated of 2711.44 US$ on the disposal of expired medicines. The expiration of medicines has been linked to several issues, including near-expiry, irrational prescribing practices, and weak participation of clinicians in medicine selection and quantification of the facility. Additionally, only two hospitals had relatively good storage and handling practices. Conclusion: Overall, the expiration rate of medicines in the public hospitals in Jimma Zone was greater than the allowed level of 2%. In order to optimize the allocation of healthcare funds and ensure the appropriate use of pharmacologically significant medications it is vital to conduct a comprehensive examination at the national level within a regional hospitals.
