Drug Production in Tertiary Health Institutions – Needs, Constraints and Prospects

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigation the needs, problem and prospects of drug production in tertiary health institutions using Lagos University Teaching Hospital as a case study and to recommend solutions to the problems so identified. The use of questionnaires was employed in the study covering all pharmacists in the pharmaceutical services department, pharmacy technicians and quality control technologist in the drug production unit of the hospital. It was unanimously agreed by the respondents that local drug production was necessary in tertiary hospitals. About two third of the respondents considered the current performance of the drug production unit to be at most, average. The major problems were identified to be lack of adequate funding, inadequate support and commitment by the hospital management and absence of maintenance culture leading to breakdown and collapse of equipment and machinery. It was realized that the prospect of drug production in tertiary health institution was very bright and that success could be achieved, but only through very careful planning and execution of the project, adequate funding, strong commitment from the management of the institution, well trained and motivated staff.