It has been demonstrated that local production of unique essential medicines, such as intravenous fluids, is more economical than importing them. An example is the recent local production of intravenous fluids by Abacus Parenterals, which led to a fall in the wholesale price per ---ml bottle from UGX-,--- (USD-.--) ...Hence, local production can result in cheaper medicine prices, which will in turn increase the population s access to medicines and drive demand for pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, the increase in the number of local pharmaceutical manufacturers and the rapid increase in the number of pharmacies and chemist shops across Uganda (although these are predominantly located in urban areas) indicate that there is a growing market. The proliferation of facilities and outlets also suggests that the population s ability to purchase medicines and health supplies has generally improved. ...Many Ugandans lack access to health facilities owing to financial reasons, or because of sparse healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. The division between prescription and OTC drugs is blurred by the prevalence
...In September ----, the Health Committee of Ugandan Parliament announced it will investigate shortage of drugs in health facilities across the country. The controversy arose after the fact that the most drugs were available at National Medical Stores (NMS), although in August most district hospitals and health centers have reported severe shortage of drugs. ...In total -- cases of Yellow fever had been reported in the country, but only three people were confirmed dead. (New Vision) In September ----, Member of Parliament Bernard Atiku asked the Ministry of Health to investigate a possible misconduct in Arua District, where health officials allegedly charged fees for the testing and vaccination services during the government s hepatitis B campaign, which was supposed to be free of charge. Mr Atiku emphasized that the actions of the health workers compromised many Ugandans who were not able to pay for the services. ...Mr Atiku emphasized that the actions of the health workers compromised many Ugandans who were not able to pay for the services.
...In ----, pharmaceutical expenditure in Uganda reached a value of UGX-,---bn (USD---mn). In ----, we estimate this to reach UGX-,---bn (USD---mn) and by ----, we calculate the market will be valued at UGX-,---bn (USD---mn), experiencing a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -.- in local currency terms and -.- in US dollar terms. ...
