Life-Saving Drugs in Sudan: A Matter of Defi nitions and Concepts

Abstract

Background: Drugs are one of the most crucial pillars in the provision of healthcare services and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Life-Saving Drugs (LSDs) are the drugs that save someone’s life, require immediate administration in most of the cases, as they sustain life, and prevent complications. They are top priority healthcare needs, which required to be available and aff ordable at all time in adequate quantities and low cost for the whole population and thus achieving equity. Since pharmaceutical sector in Sudan is highly fragmented, this study is conducted to determine the degree of stakeholders’ knowledge about the defi nition of LSD, whether there is a policy governing them, if they have a standard list and their availability status in Sudan. Methods: G rounded theory qualitative (exploratory) study design. The theory is grounded from the actual data after being collected and analysed. Results: Only essential medicines is the well-known term for the stakeholders -mainly at the governance level- with its policy and list. The other LSDs terminologies were found to be ambiguous, with no policies or standard lists. The status of the availability of the diff erent LSDs terminologies (as it perceived by each stakeholder) was found to be poor and there is a signifi cant shortage mainly due to the economic issues. Conclusions: Unifi cation of pharmaceutical organization in Sudan is a must and a priority issue due to its ultimate importance in the provision of healthcare services. Consensus and participation of all the relevant stakeholders in designing policies is an important input for a well-designed health system governance. Further researches in diff erent areas must be conducted, and awareness of policymakers and service providers must be raised.