[Essential medicines and access to primary health care in the medical district of Mambéré-Kadéï].
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether people in Mambéré-Kadéï have access to essential medicines for primary health care.


METHODS
The study was conducted in 14 public health care centres of the medical district of Mambéré-Kadéi (Central African Republic).


METHODS
This cross-sectional study assessed the drugs prescribed for 40 randomly selected outpatients consulting in each of 14 randomly selected public health centres from June 1, 2000, through March 30, 2001. The methodology used was adapted from the World Health Organization study protocol (WHO indicators) and the International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD).


METHODS
Accessibility and affordability of key medicines.


RESULTS
Complete data were available for 512 study consultations. A mean of 79.3%( 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 77.5-81.7%) of the 14 essential generic drugs monitored were available in the health centre pharmacies. A median prescription cost 2800 Francs FCA ($4.5), a cost within the ability to pay of 73.2% (CI: 72.8-76.2).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the population in Mambéré-Kadéï had access to affordable essential medicines. Although availability and accessibility of the generic essential drugs are good in this medical district, the study also showed the need for action to improve access to primary health care for the patients too poor to pay: 26.8% (95% CI: 23.8-28.2).
Mouala
Christian
C
Département de santé publique Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie 4, place Jussieu 75005 Paris, France. mouala_chris@yahoo.fr
Abeye
Jean
J
Goumba
Abel
A
D002488:Central African Republic; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011320:Primary Health Care
D055553:Prescription Drugs