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Research Article
Partisan Impacts and Determinants for Internationalization of Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Products
Guyassa Daniel Waktole,
Tefera Tezera Negera*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
93-106
Received:
4 September 2024
Accepted:
23 September 2024
Published:
18 October 2024
Abstract: Background: The pharmaceutical and related commodities manufacturing industry in Ethiopia is long-lived because the country is well-endowed with basic raw materials and local ownership and to some extent with machinery and technological know-how. The pharmaceutical industry, both globally and in Africa, encounters challenges in internationalizing products. In Ethiopia, challenges like regulatory complexities and limited government support hinder international market access for pharmaceutical products. This aim is to explore the barriers and understand why Ethiopian pharmaceuticals struggle to enter global markets. Method: The study adopted a mixed research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. It focuses on 15 pharmaceutical industries in Ethiopia, particularly those in Addis Ababa and the Oromia Special Zone, using probability and none probability sampling technique. The total study participants involved in the quantitative and qualitative studies were 373 and 15, respectively. Data collection comprises questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observation checklists, supplemented by secondary data from official and theoretical sources. Ethical considerations underscore obtaining verbal consent and ensuring confidentiality. Analysis entails descriptive statistics and qualitative synthesis, with numerical analysis conducted using STATA 14.1 software. Results: Out of the expected 384 study participants, 373 (97.13%) participated in our study, while the entire group of participants proposed in the qualitative study (15) also participated in this study. Key findings include resource constraints, regulatory issues, and biased perceptions against local products, hindering their global recognition. While strong political commitment and effective policy enforcement at the top government level are crucial, inadequate collaboration across government tiers undermines these efforts. Despite existing policies, inadequate implementation and procedural guidance diminish industry interest. There's uncertainty about government support for local pharmaceutical production, with persistent challenges like resource shortages and policy inconsistencies impeding progress. Perceptions vary on the effectiveness of policies promoting local production, and concerns about taxation issues impact the industry. Nevertheless, most respondents’ express confidence in the quality of domestically produced pharmaceuticals. Conclusion: Despite crucial government commitment, weak collaboration across levels impedes progress. Respondents note deficient policy implementation and doubt government support. Persistent issues like resource shortages persist, along with taxation concerns, despite locally produced products being perceived as equal in quality. To advance, better policy implementation, regulatory harmony, financial support, infrastructure enhancement, increased awareness, and improved collaboration are essential.
Abstract: Background: The pharmaceutical and related commodities manufacturing industry in Ethiopia is long-lived because the country is well-endowed with basic raw materials and local ownership and to some extent with machinery and technological know-how. The pharmaceutical industry, both globally and in Africa, encounters challenges in internationalizing p...
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Research Article
Assessment of the Viability of Community-Based Health Insurance Schemes in the Ziguinchor Department from 2016 to 2018 in the Context of Universal Health Coverage (Senegal)
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
107-116
Received:
11 September 2024
Accepted:
29 September 2024
Published:
29 October 2024
Abstract: Introduction: This study examines the viability of community-based health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department of Senegal from 2016 to 2018, within the context of universal health coverage. Health insurance schemes have emerged as a promising solution to extend social health protection to informal sector workers and rural populations. However, despite political support, these structures face persistent challenges in terms of enrollment, member retention, and management. The study aims to assess the viability of these schemes, as well as the perceptions of various stakeholders on mutual health insurance. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, based on the theoretical framework developed with the support of the International Labor Office (ILO). This framework evaluates the viability of health insurance schemes according to four dimensions: institutional, technical, functional, and financial/economic. A questionnaire with 87 questions was used to collect quantitative data on these aspects from the seven health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department. For the qualitative component, focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with various actors, including beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, community leaders, scheme managers, and healthcare providers. Results: The study's findings reveal a complex situation for the health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department. Institutionally, the schemes have a solid foundation with legal status, internal regulations, and affiliation to a departmental union. Technically, membership is voluntary and family-based, with control mechanisms in place, although their effectiveness is limited. Functional viability shows positive signs with a membership growth rate of 20.18%, but the overall penetration rate remains low at 16.99%, and the premium collection rate is very low, averaging 26.78%. The financial situation is particularly of concern: no scheme can meet its short or long-term debts, and the average claims ratio is excessively high at 282%. As for stakeholder perceptions, they are mixed: while the schemes are generally considered beneficial, significant practical difficulties are identified, including lack of information, funding problems, and procedural complexity. Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity of the role of health insurance schemes in the quest for universal health coverage. Despite undeniable strengths, the schemes face considerable challenges in terms of functional and financial viability. Corrective measures are necessary, including strengthening management capacities, innovating premium collection methods, and improving communication. An evolution of the model is also suggested, potentially towards greater integration into a national social protection system or the development of innovative public-private partnerships.
Abstract: Introduction: This study examines the viability of community-based health insurance schemes in the Ziguinchor department of Senegal from 2016 to 2018, within the context of universal health coverage. Health insurance schemes have emerged as a promising solution to extend social health protection to informal sector workers and rural populations. How...
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Research Article
Assessing the Viability of a Professionally Managed community-Based Health Insurance Scheme in Koungheul, Senegal: Perspectives for Universal Health Coverage
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
117-125
Received:
5 October 2024
Accepted:
25 October 2024
Published:
12 December 2024
Abstract: Introduction: This study examines the viability of the Departmental Health Insurance Unit (UDAM) of Koungheul in Senegal, an innovative model of a professionally managed health insurance scheme, implemented as part of universal health coverage. Unlike traditional community-based health insurance schemes, UDAMs are entirely managed by a salaried team, with elected leaders playing only a supervisory role. The study aims to assess the viability of this alternative model and analyze the perceptions of various stakeholders. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative analysis, based on a theoretical framework developed by the International Labor Office (ILO), assessed the viability of the UDAM across four dimensions: institutional, technical, functional, and financial/economic. Data collected in 2022 were analyzed. For the qualitative component, individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with various actors, including beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, community leaders, UDAM officials, and healthcare providers. Results: The study reveals a contrasting situation for the UDAM of Koungheul. On the institutional and technical levels, the UDAM has a solid foundation with legal status, agreements with healthcare providers, and risk control mechanisms. Functional viability shows positive signs, with a membership growth rate of 16.15% and a high penetration rate of 76.66%. However, the contribution collection rate is low (52.29%), and the average payment delay to providers is long (7 months). The financial situation is concerning: the immediate liquidity ratio is low (0.248), the reserve rate is insufficient (0.93 months), and the loss ratio is high (90.34%). Stakeholder perceptions are generally positive, but significant practical difficulties are identified, including lack of information, funding problems, and procedural complexity. Conclusion: The study highlights the progress of the UDAM model compared to traditional schemes. However, persistent challenges, particularly in terms of financial viability, underscore the need for continuous evolution of the model. A more integrated approach, involving deeper integration into the national social protection system and stronger state investment, could be beneficial in consolidating the gains of the UDAM model.
Abstract: Introduction: This study examines the viability of the Departmental Health Insurance Unit (UDAM) of Koungheul in Senegal, an innovative model of a professionally managed health insurance scheme, implemented as part of universal health coverage. Unlike traditional community-based health insurance schemes, UDAMs are entirely managed by a salaried tea...
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,
Fall Seydina Mouhamed,
Sougou Ndeye Mareme
