Institutional Cost of Irrational Prescriptions for Uncomplicated Malaria

Abstract

Background Information on cost of management of malaria is important for improved financial management but is sparse. The objective of this study was to estimate the Institutional cost of irrational prescriptions for uncomplicated malaria. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study approach was used to review 140 prescriptions issued for uncomplicated malaria at the Madina Polyclinic, Kekele. The prescriptions were judged to be rational or irrational according to the Standard Treatment Guideline of the Ministry of Health. Key informant interviews were also conducted on prescribers and dispensers for data on contact time with patients and gross salaries. Triangulation was used to combine data from review of the prescriptions and the key informant interviews to estimate the overall cost of irrational prescriptions for uncomplicated malaria. Results Uncomplicated malaria cases make up 2.2% of cases at the OPD. About 33% of prescriptions for uncomplicated malaria were irrational. The estimated total institutional cost was GHS 4,737.37 ($1,091.56). The cost per irrational prescription was GHS 12.73 ($ 2.93). Co-infections, prescriber preferences and patient preferences were the main reasons for irrational prescriptions. Conclusion Irrational prescriptions lead to inefficient cost management of uncomplicated malaria and must be reduced for improved financial management of malaria.