Exploring Medicine Procurement through the lens of the Basel Statements: A comparative study between Australia and Nepal

Abstract

It is believed that developed countries are more efficient than developing countries in managing medicine distribution and have stronger regulatory frameworks that contribute to better access to medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to compare medicine procurement practices in hospitals of developed and developing countries, Australia and Nepal respectively, based on the internationally recognized guidelines, the Basel Statements, with the objective of improving procurement practices of Nepal. Chapter 1 of this thesis is a literature review conducted to explore medicine procurement issues utilising a framework of procurement statements of the Basel Statements. Reported lack of studies and information available about medicine procurement practice in Nepal indicated the need for a thorough study on medicine procurement practice and its issues. Chapter 2 describes the methodology used for the two qualitative studies that comprise chapters 3 and 4. Chapter 3 contains the manuscript pertaining to a qualitative study about medicine procurement in hospital pharmacies of Nepal based on the Basel Statements. This study indicated that there is a need for improvement in some procurement issues; however, hospital pharmacies of Nepal are doing well in some aspects of procurement procedures. Chapter 4 contains the manuscript pertaining to a comparative study of medicine procurement practices in public hospitals of Australia and Nepal based on the Basel Statements. Procurement practices of Australia and Nepal varied in many aspects but also were similar in some aspects. Chapter 5 is a concluding chapter that summarizes and discusses major findings of this research and proposes recommendations for improving procurement practice in Nepal. Strengthening regulatory enforcement and amending existing national policies and guidelines by adopting and adapting international guidelines and procurement procedures to suit national requirements, resources and capacities are highly recommended for Nepal.