E-drug: Private sector sales of TB drugs (4)
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Dear Travor Mabugu,
The PPM structure in Ethiopia is briefly explained below;
There is a developed PPM-DOTS implementation guide line by the Federal Ministry of Ethiopia in collaboration with the private sector program-Ethiopia.
The Regional health bureau conducts assessment of the private health facilities(mainly private Higher clinics) in collaboration with the USAID funded private health sector program with a standard selection criteria.If those facilities fulfill the set criteria and are willing to provide the service for free(with minor payment for laboratory services and consultation fee at patient`s first visit the two parties sign Memorandum of Understanding which contains the responsibilities of each.Standard Training will be given for the private facilities by the program and facilities are supplied for the drugs from the regional health bureau including AFB microscopy reagents.
The refile system a push type every quarter and is based on past patient load with one month buffer stock.
So you can imagine a health providing clinic which lacks a pharmacy wing only.There is a separate room for TB clinic where DOTS is given,Patients reach this room after diagnosed at the OPD level and a trained nurse will run the whole activity.
Seyfu Abebe
Pharmacist/MPH candidate