Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy- Scholarly Publications

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Browsing Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy- Scholarly Publications by Subject "ACTs"

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    Open Access
    Antimalarial prescribing under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
    (West African Journal of Pharmacy, 2014) Joda, A.E.; Ologunagba, M.O.
    Background: Malaria is still a dreaded disease in many developing countries. Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) was adopted for malaria control as it offers better efficacy to previous chloroquine-based remedies. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established to provide access to qualitative care at an affordable cost from different professional members of the healthcare team. Enrollees access care for approved health conditions in accredited facilities. Objectives: The objective was to document the antimalarial prescribing practices on prescriptions from NHIS-accredited medical facilities received in an NHIS-accredited community pharmacy in Lagos. Methods: A retrospective review of all the prescriptions received at the target NHIS-accredited pharmacy from four NHIS-accredited clinics over a 3-year period (2006-2008) was carried out using a modified WHO/INRUD prescribing indicator form. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p=0.05. Results were presented as frequency tables and charts. Results: About 51% of the prescriptions were for female patients. Over 60% of the prescriptions included an antimalarial. About 45% of the antimalarials prescribed was sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (syrups and tablets). The use of ACTs increased over the 3-year period from about 9% to about 46% mainly as Artesunate plus a sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine product. Conclusion: Most of the antimalarial prescriptions did not comply with the antimalarial treatment policy of the country. Continuing Medical Education programs are required to improve prescriber knowledge and practice. Supervision of facilities by NHIS officials to ensure sustainability and good health outcome is recommended.