Background:
The health status of the East Timorese population is very poor
and much of the health system was destroyed during the violence
of 1999. As in other developing countries, the lack of appropriate
and high quality medicines significantly compromises patient care
throughout the health system. The aim of this study was to examine
the purchase, distribution and supply of pharmaceuticals in East
Timor, and to identify the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical
sector.
Methods: Key informant interviews were held with health professionals
and others involved in health care and the pharmaceutical sector
in East Timor; documents (including regulations and rules) were
reviewed; and daily activities observed at the Central Store,
health centers, pharmacies and retail shops.
Results: Some of the major challenges facing the pharmaceutical
sector include lack of trained staff, sub-optimal facilities and
lack of basic equipment. These lead to unsafe practices, and reliance
on outside agencies.
Conclusions: There are significant threats to the supply and quality
of medicines in East Timor. There is currently a high level of
dependence on foreign expertise, which is unsustainable in the
long term.
Keywords:
Pharmaceutical
Services. Delivery of Health Care. Developing Countries. East Timor.
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