Int J Pharm Pract 1999;7:143-8

Health Systems Trust, Durban, South Africa
Aarti Kishuna, BPharm, research intern

Department of Pharmacy, University of Durban-Westville, Durban, South Africa
Jennifer Smit, BPharm, MSc, senior lecturer

Correspondence: Ms Kishuna, Chief Pharmacist, Essential Drugs Programme, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Pharmaceutical Services, Private Bag X9051, 3201 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa aarti@pedco.db.healthlink.org.za

Original Papers

Assessing pharmaceutical services at primary care clinics in KwaZulu-Natal: an indicator-based approach

AARTI KISHUNA and JENNIFER SMIT

Objective - To obtain baseline data on the provision of pharmaceutical services at primary care clinics.
Method - Internationally used standard and objective indicators were adapted for this study and used to assess the availability and quality of key drugs, and the quality of dispensing practice in a sample of primary care clinics in 1994.
Setting - The study was undertaken in three regions of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Key findings - It was found that the delivery of pharmaceutical services at primary care facilities was good, considering South Africa is a developing country in transition. However, some deficiencies were apparent. Recommendations for addressing these shortcomings are described. The challenge now is to maintain and improve the delivery of pharmaceutical services at primary care facilities in KwaZulu-Natal.
Conclusion - The study provided baseline data against which progress in the implementation of the South African National Drug Policy (NDP) can be measured.