ArticleBMJ open2019
Medicines shortages in Pakistan: a qualitative study to explore current situation, reasons and possible solutions to overcome the barriers.
Article in BMJ open, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 40 papers.
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Who cites it
40 citing papers in PubMed.
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- A qualitative study to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders regarding pharmaceutical pictograms in Pakistan.Journal of pharmaceutical policy and practice · 2026Article
- Unequal budgeting and limited WHO AWaRe Access antibiotics in Punjab: procurement policy gaps in Pakistan's National Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance.Archives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique · 2025Article
- The antibiotic procurement saga: a long-neglected stewardship target to combat antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan.Antimicrobial resistance and infection control · 2025Article
- Economic assessment of potential changes to essential medicines for diabetes in Uganda.PloS one · 2025Article
- A qualitative exploration of consumers' views and experiences toward online pharmacies: Narrative from a developing country.PloS one · 2025Article
- Perceptions, attitudes and experiences of hospital pharmacists working in the private sector regarding drug shortage in Lebanon: a national cross-sectional study.Journal of pharmaceutical policy and practice · 2025Article
- Universal health coverage in Pakistan: exploring the landscape of the health system, health seeking behaviours, and utilization of health services.The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia · 2024Review
- Procurement process and shortages of essential medicines in public health facilities: A qualitative study from Nepal.PLOS global public health · 2024Article
- Adherence to treatment and harmful effects of medication shortages in the context of severe crises: scale validation and correlates.Journal of pharmaceutical policy and practice · 2023Article
- Pharmacists' approach to oncology medicine shortages: results of a cross-sectional survey in Pakistan.BMJ open · 2023Article
- Drug shortages in China: a cross-sectional study.BMC health services research · 2023Article
- Anesthetic drug shortages in Pakistan: a multicentre nationwide survey.Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie · 2023Article
- Availability of Access, Watch, and Reserve groups of essential antibiotics: a cross-sectional survey.Frontiers in public health · 2023Article
- Development and validation of the nomogram to predict the risk of hospital drug shortages: A prediction model.PloS one · 2023Article
- Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Different Hospitals in Pakistan: Findings and Implications.Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2022Article
- Experience of Pharmacists with Anti-Cancer Medicine Shortages in Pakistan: Results of a Qualitative Study.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2022Article
- Stakeholders' Perspectives Regarding Supply Chain System of Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2022Article
- Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: A perspective from Pakistani medical students.Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) · 2022Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
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Abstract
objectiveThis study was conducted to assess current situation of medicines shortages in Pakistan and to identify its impact, reasons and possible solutions to overcome the barriers.
designA qualitative study.
settingThe study was conducted between May 2018 and July 2018 in three cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Karachi and Bahawalpur, depending on the availability of most relevant key informants.
participantsHealth regulators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors and pharmacists. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Study primarily explored current situation, reasons and potential solutions of medicines shortages in Pakistan. Secondary outcome was the issue of particular brand shortage.
methodSemistructured interviews were conducted. Sample size was determined by using saturation point criteria. Convenient sampling techniques were used to recruit the participants. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
resultsA total of 41 stakeholders including 12 health regulators, 6 pharmaceutical manufacturers, 8 pharmaceutical distributors and 15 pharmacists participated in this study. Data analysis yielded 4 themes, 16 subthemes, 51 categories. Essential and life-saving medicines were in short supply. The major reasons of short supply of medicines were active pharmaceutical ingredient and raw material availability issues, lack of traditional distribution system and sudden demand fluctuation. Among proposed solutions, three most common were the facilitation and regulation of manufacturers, reasonable price fixation and improvements in the inventory control system.
conclusionMedicines were short in supply, and this may have clinical and financial impact on the patients in Pakistan. There were multiple and complex reasons of medicines shortages. Mandatory government leadership is required to resolve the issue on priority basis for improving the access of medicines to the patients.
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