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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Availability of essential medicines in selected public, primary and secondary health care institutions of a rural Sri Lankan district: a spot survey

Authors: Devarajan Rathish, Indika Premarathna, Thiwanka Jayathilake, Chathurika Kandegedara, Kalani Punchihewa, Lakmali Ananda, Thejani Bandara, Channa Jayasumana, Sisira Siribaddana

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Assessment of the availability of essential medicines, in rural areas of countries with free state health care system, is scarce. Dependence on essential medicines among the population in rural sector is considered to be high. Assessing the availability of essential medicines in selected state owned primary and secondary health care institutions of a rural district will help to identify areas where improvement is needed.

Methods

A descriptive cross sectional study, covering selected five primary and one secondary care institutions of a rural Sri Lankan district, was conducted. The national list of essential medicines, Sri Lanka was used as the check list and the guidelines of the WHO–Health Action International were adapted.

Results

The secondary care institution recorded an overall availability of 71%, whereas the average overall availability of the primary care institutions was 56%. Central dispensaries recorded the lowest availability. Lack of availability of medicines needed for the management of chronic kidney disease, snake bite and poisoning was noted.

Conclusions

Availability of essential medicines in most of the primary and the secondary care institutions were fairly high. Deficiency in medicines needed for the management of emergencies was noted. A need based annual estimate of medicines based on an essential medicine list is suggested.

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Title: Availability of essential medicines in selected public, primary and secondary health care institutions of a rural Sri Lankan district: a spot survey
Authors: Devarajan Rathish
Indika Premarathna
Thiwanka Jayathilake
Chathurika Kandegedara
Kalani Punchihewa
Lakmali Ananda
Thejani Bandara
Channa Jayasumana
Sisira Siribaddana
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1969-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Availability of essential medicines in selected public, primary and secondary health care institutions of a rural Sri Lankan district: a spot survey

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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