E-DRUG: Regional pooled/bulk procurement in the Western Pacific Region: An asset or liability?
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Dear colleagues,
I would like to invite you to take part in the study entitled “Regional
pooled/bulk procurement in the Western Pacific Region: An asset or a
liability?”
[*This study is approved by The University of Auckland Ethics Research
Committee. Reference number: 2009 / 235*].
*Introduction*
Following the evident savings and improvement of medicine supplies of the
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, the Pan- American Health
Organization and the Gulf Cooperation Council, it is not unlikely for other
regional organisations to adapt the strategy of pooled procurement of
essential medicines particularly in various multilateral groupings in the
Western Pacific Region. In fact, the Pacific Island countries have joined
the bandwagon as they are currently establishing a regional procurement
scheme. However, given this seemingly advantageous strategy, there is a
major question that keeps bothering me – to what extent can this strategy
increase access to essential medicines in the Western Pacific Region.
The general aim of this research is to examine the potential of regional
pooled or bulk procurement in the Western Pacific. This research will also
serve as a guide to the current plans of Pacific Island countries of
establishing their own procurement scheme. This also frames the viability of this strategy if it is adapted by other groupings in the region.
*Participating countries:*
- Pacific Island countries (Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu and Vanuatu)
- Philippines
- Papua New Guinea
- Malaysia
- Practitioners and experts from other countries (including
non-Western Pacific countries) interested in sharing their insights
*Target groups:*
- Government officials working under the department of
pharmaceutical procurement
- Practitioners or experts who have been or are involved in
projects and initiatives that promote access to essential medicines.
*Methodology:*
*Part a***
The research will review previous works in cost containment strategies
employed by countries to counter the burgeoning problem on access to
essential medicine. It will then focuses on the bulk procurement practices
of three selected cases such as the Eastern Caribbean Drug Services; the Pan American Health Organization; and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This
includes textual analysis of policies, legislation and other important
documents found in E-journals, edited books, research articles and online
websites.
*Part b*
Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to the target groups mentioned
above. The interview will last for 10-15mins either through phone or email.
Below are some guide questions for your reference.
1. To what extent does pooled procurement beneficial to increasing
access to essential medicines?
2. Do you think the plan of Pacific Island countries to pursue this
approach useful and sustainable?
3. Is there any possibility that other countries in the Region would
also explore this option as in Malaysia, Viet Nam, Philippines, Papua New
Guinea and other neighbouring countries? If you are from one of these
countries, do you think your government will likely to adapt a regional
pooled procurement approach?
4. Do you think pooled procurement in the Western Pacific an asset or
a liability?
If you are involved in pharmaceutical industry or regulatory body in one way or another, or would like to take part in the study by sharing your thoughts kindly respond to me through email at oneal.mendoza@hotmail.com
Thank you and I look forward to hearing your views!
Supervisors contact details
*Academic Supervisor*
Professor Peter Davis
Department of Sociology
University of Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
Tel: 64 9 373 7599 ext. 85109
Email: pb.davis@auckland.ac.nz
*Academic Co-Supervisor*
Dr Yvonne Underhill-Sem
Head, Centre for Development Studies
Private Bag 92019
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ
Tel: 64 9 373 7599 ext. 88418
Email: y.underhill-sem@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar B.Pharm.,MPharm(Clin Pharm).,PhD
Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice
School of Pharmacy
Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences
The University of Auckland
Private Mail Bag 92019, Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: +64 9 3737599 Ext 88436
Fax: +64 9 3677192
Email: z.babar@auckland.ac.nz
Kind regards,
*O’neal M. Mendoza*
Centre of Development Studies
The University of Auckland
rmen027@aucklanduni.ac.nz