SHORTAGE OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY FROM COMMUNITY PHARMACIES

Abstract

Background: The drug shortage is a very serious issue regarding the quality of Health System of any country. The problem is increased in the pandemic causing serious issues to the health system. Objectives: The objective of current study was to evaluate the factors responsible for the drug shortages in Pakistan and way forward to avoid these problems in the future. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in different cities of Pakistan. An online form was designed after thorough literature review. The study population included Staff pharmacists, Pharmacy managers and pharmacists self-owning pharmacies. Data was then collected, analyzed using SPSS-26. Results: The majority of pharmacists agreed that Global restrictions on trade activities added to drug shortage during COVID-19. The knowledge was relatively higher in pharmacists of Punjab as compared to pharmacists of other provinces. Majority of pharmacist (52%) from Punjab province of Pakistan strongly believed that Provincial drug regulatory department should play its role effectively during the emergency crisis to prevent drug shortages during the pandemic. Conclusion: In order to prevent the problem of drug shortages, efforts should be made to control the factors responsible for the drug shortages and local production should be enhanced along with proper control by regulatory authorities.