Informal Drugs Market and Essential Drugs Policy
In developing countries, the informal distribution of drugs has two
types of consequences on drug policy.
1. On equity. The informal drug market has strong connection with
corruption in the national health system. It is obvious that
individuals who have links with those in power or connection in health
institutions will benefit more from this situation.
2. As health policy is based on available information, the existence
of a huge economic sector that has impact on health but which escape
all kind of control means more obstacles in the evaluation of key
variables of the strategy to be implemented. One example. The list of
essential drugs is based on drug demand in formal pharmacies and
morbidity statistics. Even if pharmacies traduce demand channelled by
informal vendors, one should arise two points. This sector is supplied
not only by formal pharmacies but also by smugglers. Another point is
that products selection in informal sector can be irrational and self
medication is important. Most of the time, there is an uncertainty on
the nature of sickness. Hazardous consumption of drugs can be the
cause of death, distorting the evaluation of drugs need based on
morbidity. The informal drug markets also constitute an obstacle to
the estimation of access to health. Health demand in this sector is
considered as unsatisfied because national health statistics do not
catch it.
Nsarhaza B. Kizito
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development
Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneve
Switzerland
E-mail: nsarhaza@unrisd.org
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