E-DRUG: Artemether/lumefantrine - pack sizes, brand name issue (7)
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The issue of packaging of artemether-lumefantrine should be discussed not only within the distributive functions responsibilities but should also encompass patient care dynamics. This will certainly fit well within the pharmaceutical care concepts to those who work closely with patients. While bulk packaging simplifies the distributive functions in public health institutions, it is also important to consider the pharmaceutics and chemical-physical nature of the product at hand before strongly positioning the advocacy for single common packaging. With the numbers (0 - 50) of patients we service per day one should consider the stability of the product in the container, suitability and cost of packing used in most public institutions and the quality of dispensing practices.
Secondly, improved pharmaceutical management also focuses on promoting patient care in terms of responsibilities in the treatment plan, acceptability, convenience, home storage facilities, adherence, expected treatment outcomes and many other factors. Perhaps this is another research study area for a cost-benefit analysis rather than common sense. Once again, as we advocate for distributive convenience, we should prime the convenience at patient care level.
Oliver Hazemba
Regional Technical Advisor
Management Sciences for Health
8749 Buluwe Road, Woodlands,
Lusaka
ohazemba@zamnet.zm