Economic Evaluation of Cancer Medicines Usage at Uganda Cancer Institute

Abstract

The study was cross sectional study. The patients were randomly selected by taking the 6th patient in the treatment / dispensing queue, to participate in the study. 25 patients per day were randomly selected out of the 98 patients who were receiving chemotherapy. The study population was of 385 patients . Results: The cost of medicines supplied by government, donations and out of pocket cost were Shs. 103,000,000 (€ 26,410), Shs.153,000,000 (€ 39,230) and Shs.30,700,000 (€ 7,871) respectively. The proportions of the frequency of out-of-pocket costs were found to be 109 (28.3%), donations was found to cover 24 (6.2%) and government was found to be 357 (92.7%) of the medicines used at the Uganda Cancer Institute. ConClusions: The cost of donated medicines is high. It serves a small number of patients who seek care. While Uganda Cancer Institute dispenses cancer medicines to all patients free of charge, low availability leads to patients to purchase medicine in private Pharmacies. Some medicines cost a lot of money, leading to high patients' expenditure and some patients do not buy at all. Progress will require a multi-faceted approach, as well as review of policies and regulations in place that focus on the availability and accessibility of cancer medicines in Uganda.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Breast Cancer Treatment by Traditional Health Practitioners in Central Uganda

“…4 The delay could be due to the fact that many breast cancer patients, particularly in rural Ugandan settings, are unable to access the only public health facility for specialized cancer treatment. 5 Furthermore, while 92.7% of the cost of medicines used at the Uganda Cancer Institute is covered by the government of Republic of Uganda, 6 the drugs are out of stock most of the time and patients have to buy them. Those who cannot afford these medicines discontinue treatment because of the economic burden.…”