The remote provision of pharmaceutical products and services by retail pharmacies in Kampala, Uganda; practices and challenges

The remote provision of pharmaceutical products and services by retail pharmacies in Kampala, Uganda; practices and challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for remote healthcare services delivery, including remote access to medications. This study explored the practices and challenges associated with remote provision of pharmaceutical products and services in Kampala, Uganda. A cross-sectional st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC health services research Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 1069 - 7
Main Authors: Fauzi, Ibrahim Ali, Kintu, Jafari, Luyima, Martin, Kyeyune, Henry, Rajab, Kalidi, Kutyabami, Paul, Asiimwe, Lydia Irene, Bukenya, Isah, Kitutu, Freddy Eric, Mwawule, Fredrick Wadulo
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 16-09-2024
BioMed Central
BMC
Subjects:
Communication
Community Pharmacy Services
COVID-19
COVID-19 - epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Customer relations
Drug stores
Drugstores
Epidemics
Health aspects
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Influence
Internet
Medication access
Online platforms
Pandemics
Patients
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmacies - statistics & numerical data
Pharmacy
Regulations
Remote provision of pharmaceutical products
SARS-CoV-2
Service enhancement
Social media
Social networks
Surveys and Questionnaires
Technology application
Telephone calls
Uganda
Uganda
Kampala Uganda
Regulations
Internet
Online platforms
Medication access
Remote provision of pharmaceutical products
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Summary:The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for remote healthcare services delivery, including remote access to medications. This study explored the practices and challenges associated with remote provision of pharmaceutical products and services in Kampala, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022, enrolling 174 out of 198 sampled retail pharmacies. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire on remote service provision, platforms used, products offered, delivery methods, and challenges faced. Over 58% of pharmacies provided remote services, primarily through social media (especially WhatsApp) and phone calls. OTCs and POMs were the most commonly dispensed products remotely. Key challenges identified included high internet costs, labor shortages, poor internet quality, and a lack of specific regulations for remote provision of pharmaceutical products and services. The proportion of retail pharmacies providing pharmaceutical products and services remotely is significant in Kampala, but they face challenges that need to be addressed. Regulations are crucial to ensure responsible dispensing practices and rational medicine use. Addressing internet affordability and quality, staffing issues, and delivery logistics is essential for sustainable and effective remote pharmaceutical products and services.
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ISSN:1472-6963
1472-6963
DOI:10.1186/s12913-024-11537-4