Abstract:
roduction: Availability of essential medicines in refugee camps is often variable and limited. Furthermore, less than 60% of generic medications were available in the public health sector across all WHO regions including, Ethiopia. Poor inventory control practice, lack of capacity and inadequate information system are challenges on availability of EM in public health facilities. As per the investigator’s knowledge, there is scarcity of researches at the level of refugee camps.
Objective: This study aimed to assess essential medicines availability, inventory management practice, and challenges in refugee camps, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: Explanatory sequential mixed method was employed from July to August 2023, in five refugee camps in Amhara regional state that full fill the inclusion criteria were selected. Purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 14 key informants. Structured questionnaires and semi-structure questionnaires were utilized. Data were collected through face-to-face and telephone interview, document review, and observation. Qualitative data were analyzed by using open code software 4.2. For quantitative part of the study, data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS window version 20. Descriptive statistics were computed and summarized results were presented by using words, tables and graphs.
Results: The average availability of essential medicines in refugee camp was found to be 70.3%. There are no refugee camps, which fulfill appropriate storage conditions. The availability of IFRR forms are 100% and the overall stock card updating practice on transaction was 0%. Only 18.2% of SDPs follow FEFO inventory control procedure while storing and dispensing medicines. Poor inventory control practice, frequent stock out, drug misuse, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited resources were found to be common challenges of surveyed camps.
Conclusion and recommendations: The average availability of essential medicines in refugee camps was fairly high. No refugee camps were found to have acceptable storage condition. The availability of IFRR forms was high. Stock card updating practice on transaction is low. Poor inventory control practice, national stock out, drug misuse, insecurity, infrastructure, delivery system and limited resources were found to be common challenges of surveyed camps. The responsible body should give special emphasis to ensure availability of essential medicines and there inventory control practice through targeting the identified challenges.
