title: Delivering medicines in a challenging environment: the pharmaceutical sector in East Timor (a descriptive study).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The health status of the East Timorese population is very poor and much of the health system was destroyed during the violence of 1999. As in other developing countries, the lack of appropriate and high quality medicines significantly compromises patient care throughout the health system. The aim of this study was to examine the purchase, distribution and supply of pharmaceuticals in East Timor, and to identify the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical sector.
  
  
  METHODS
  Key informant interviews were held with health professionals and others involved in health care and the pharmaceutical sector in East Timor; documents (including regulations and rules) were reviewed; and daily activities observed at the Central Store, health centers, pharmacies and retail shops.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Some of the major challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector include lack of trained staff, sub-optimal facilities and lack of basic equipment. These lead to unsafe practices, and reliance on outside agencies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are significant threats to the supply and quality of medicines in East Timor. There is currently a high level of dependence on foreign expertise, which is unsustainable in the long term.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Otago . Dunedin ( New Zealand ).
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Norris
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Otago . Dunedin ( New Zealand ).
authors.forename: Raul B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Dos Santos
authors.affiliation: Best Practice Advocacy Centre. Dunedin ( New Zealand ).
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.affiliation: Otago Pacific People's Health Trust. Dunedin ( New Zealand ).
authors.forename: Wale
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tobata
keywords: Delivery of Health Care; Developing Countries; East Timor; Pharmaceutical Services