Write a brief 4-page report about a health care economic issue that you have identified. Address the reasons why you selected the issue you did; identify how this issue impacts the work of you, your colleagues, and your organization; and describe the gap that you see contributing to this issue.
Describe a health care economic issue and how it impacts a specific community or population.
Note the data, information, or observations used to support your description.
Explain the rationale for choosing your health care economic issue.
Explain how the health care economic issue has affected your work, your organization, your colleagues, and your community.
Identify the gap that is contributing to the need to address the economic issue
Full Answer Section
Impact on Community and Population
The high cost of prescription drugs can lead to several negative consequences for individuals and communities:
- Reduced Adherence: Patients may be unable to afford their medications, leading to non-adherence and poorer health outcomes.
- Financial Hardship: The cost of prescription drugs can place a significant financial burden on individuals and families, leading to economic hardship.
- Increased Out-of-Pocket Costs: Patients may face higher out-of-pocket costs for medications, even with health insurance coverage.
- Limited Access to Essential Treatments: The high cost of drugs can limit access to essential treatments, particularly for chronic conditions.
Data and Information
Several studies and reports have highlighted the rising cost of prescription drugs in Kenya and the impact on patient access and affordability. For example, a study published in the East African Medical Journal found that the cost of essential medications had increased significantly over the past decade, making them unaffordable for many Kenyans.
Impact on Healthcare Providers, Organizations, and the Community
The high cost of prescription drugs has a significant impact on healthcare providers, organizations, and the community:
- Increased Financial Burden: Healthcare providers and organizations face increased costs for purchasing medications, which can strain their budgets and reduce profitability.
- Patient Dissatisfaction: Patients may become dissatisfied with their care if they are unable to afford necessary medications.
- Reduced Access to Care: The high cost of drugs can lead to patients delaying or avoiding seeking medical care, which can worsen their health conditions.
- Community Health Impact: The inability to access affordable medications can have a negative impact on community health and well-being.
Contributing Gap
One of the primary gaps contributing to the high cost of prescription drugs is the lack of price regulation and competition in the pharmaceutical market. In many countries, including Kenya, pharmaceutical companies have significant pricing power, allowing them to set high prices for their products. This lack of competition can limit the availability of affordable alternatives and drive up costs for consumers.
Addressing this gap requires a multifaceted approach, including:
- Price Negotiations: Governments can negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to obtain lower prices for essential medications.
- Promoting Generic Alternatives: Encouraging the development and use of generic alternatives to brand-name drugs can increase competition and reduce prices.
- Implementing Price Controls: Governments can consider implementing price controls or reference pricing to limit the cost of prescription drugs.
- Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights: Ensuring that intellectual property rights are protected can incentivize innovation and research, but it is also important to balance these rights with the need for affordable medications.
By addressing these contributing factors, policymakers and healthcare stakeholders can work to reduce the cost of prescription drugs and improve access to essential medications for the Kenyan population.
Sample Answer
Rationale for Choosing This Issue
The escalating cost of prescription drugs is a pressing healthcare economic issue that has significant implications for patients, providers, and payers. This issue is particularly relevant in Kenya, where access to affordable medications is a major challenge for many individuals.