Assessment of the Usage, Storage, and Expiration Date Checking of Drugs at Dilla University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Medications require suitable storage conditions to ensure the potency and efficacy of medicines. Appropriate puttingaway conditions are required to ensure the potency of medications. Medication that is not maintained at the required temperature may further increase the unnecessary burden on the general population's economy due to their lack of potency and efficacy. It is crucial to reduce any wastage, including that of drugs, to increase the efficient use of these scarce resources because there are significant health implications of drug waste. Methodology: A descriptive study was done at Dilla University Teaching Hospital beginning November 02, 2022, to December 02, 2022. Twenty indicators were used to assess the practice of drug storage, utilization, and checking expiration dates were designed and variables requiring a definition for the fullness of the checklist were predefined. For each measure, the expected achievement rate was 100%. A less than 50% completion rate was seen as a critical area in need of development, while indicators with a greater than 90% attainment rate were rated as acceptable. To analyze the data, SPSS version 26 was used. Results:The study found that none of the indications for the use, storage, and checking of drug expiration dates had a 100% completion rate. Among the indicators found to be below average (50%) were medical gas storage, medication storage, critical medication arrangement, storage of medications in refrigerators without using refrigerators for other purposes, storage facilities below 25°C, presence of lockable cupboards, and storage of internal medications such as oral liquids, injectable medications, rectal medications, and segregation. Conclusion:In conclusion, the majority of the indications for the usage, storage, and checking of the expiration date of drugs were discovered to be nonexistent or done insufficiently. To improve the practice of medicine storage, use, and expiration date checking, we recommend several strategies such as regular evaluation and monitoring.

Availability of Dispensing and Storage Facilities at Public and Community Pharmacies at Bahir Dar and Gondar Towns

“…Due to the serious health risks associated with medication waste, it is imperative to decrease drug waste and maximise the efficient use of limited resources. 21 In our analysis, a large percentage of narcotic and psychotropic medication cabinets were locked (90.9%). This is greater than a study conducted in Nepal, which found that 71.1% of pharmacies said they stored regulated medications in locked cabinets or lockable drawers.…”

“…5 To enable pharmacies to fulfil their roles in the delivery of healthcare, adequate availability, convenient access, and a sufficient workforce capacity must be guaranteed. 21 Although studies on GDP, GPP, and GSP are numerous, [2][3][4]10,11,13 studies on facilities that significantly affect the practices listed are scarce. Sufficient dispensing and storage facilities are necessary to give the patient plausible services.…”