Psychotropic Medicine Shortages in Ghana: A Situation Analysis

Abstract

Psychotropic medicines shortage is a serious problem in developing countries. Out of pocket payments for psychotropic medicines by mentally ill people and their caregivers directly contradict the policy of free treatment in all public health institutions in Ghana.

BasicNeeds examined the state of psychotropic drugs supply in Ghana to understand the processes and procedures of its acquisition and distribution in the country.

The study employed qualitative methods and involved both primary and secondary data. Secondary data was collected from government documents such as the Ghana Essential Medicines List (2004), Procurement Procedures Manual, Standard Treatment Guidelines (2004) and the Draft Mental Health Bill. The primary data on the other hand was collected through field consultations, discussions and interviews with key stake holders in the mental health sub-sector.

A total of 335 mentally ill people and caregivers of mentally ill people participated in the study. However 108 respondents representing 32.2% agreed participated. Over 70% of the 108 participants interviewed reported that psychotropic drugs on the essential medicines list were not unavailable. Irrational use of medicines by prescribers, dispensers and users of psychotropic medicines also accounted for improper forecasting and shortages of psychotropic medicines in the country.