Comparative analysis of drug revolving fund (DRF) and public private partnership (PPP) program on drug supply management in University college hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria
Yejide O. Oseni and Olusegun Afolabi
1 Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, South West Zonal Office, Ibadan, Nigeria
2 Department of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Corresponding Author: Yejide O. Oseni
Email: yejideoseni@yahoo.com Phone: +2348033330927
ABSTRACT
Background: Financing drugs supply through DRF was adopted at UCH, Ibadan from 1988 until 2005, when it was reverted to PPP whereby partnership in healthcare provisioning was emphasized.
Objectives: This study was aimed at comparing the two models and how the National Drug Policy goals have been achieved.
Method Pharmacy stock records were analyzed while questionnaire was administered to outpatients. Interviews were also conducted for pharmacists with in-depth information of the two models.
Results: Records revealed that availability of the tracer drugs was more consistent during the PPP than DRF. Patronage was high (86.9%), yet patients complained of non-availability of essential drugs as they still patronize community pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. Generally, the selling prices of the drugs were higher than that of community pharmacy. Respondents at interviews opine that fast-moving and profit-oriented drugs were the focus of PPP which seemingly undermined quality as opposed to essential and orphan drugs of DRF. Respondents preferred DRF to PPP based on sustainability and recommended reversion to it.
Conclusion: It was concluded that drug subsidy via health insurance scheme should be given priority by government. Revitalized supply through tender in DRF will reduce stock-outs and high cost of drugs. Furthermore, all relevant stakeholders should be involved in the planning and implementation of any program adopted and proper coordination is paramount for success and sustainability.
Key words: Essential drugs; drug financing; public health facilities; national drug policy; sustainability