Benchmarking regulations for pharmacies and drug shops
Pharmacists around the world are important providers of health care, and often the first place people go for treatment or advice.
SHOPS Plus conducted a scan of 32 USAID priority countries to understand better the rules and regulations that shape how pharmacies and drug shops operate, and the modern family planning methods they can provide. The report, intended for donors and program implementers, provides a framework that can be used as a way to benchmark the regulatory environment of specific countries. The framework of categories is also useful to organize more detailed assessments.
Key takeaways:
- The need for some model standards for training requirements as criteria for drug shop licensing, in light of wide variation country to country
- The importance of addressing the gap in most frameworks around drug shop provision of services, such as counseling, referrals and injections, which can expand access
Health Area