Date of Award

12-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Policy and Management

First Advisor

Muhammad Ashar Malik

Second Advisor

Syed Mairaj Shah

Third Advisor

Salman Siddiqi

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the purchasing patterns of over the counter (OTC) drugs among clinical and non-clinical staff covered by employer-provided medical insurance at a private teaching university hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: Employing a retrospective study design, this research aims to comprehend the pattern of OTC drug purchasing. The study targets both clinical and non-clinical employees under medical coverage. The research utilizes STATA 15 for data analysis.
Results: The study findings indicate a divergent preference amongst clinical and non-clinical staff for OTC purchasing. The data also shows a spike in December correlated with the termination of medical coverage. A slight rise in OTC consumption during the pandemic, providing a snapshot of its impact on drug utilization.
Conclusion: This study investigated over the counter (OTC) drug purchasing among clinical and non-clinical staff with medical coverage. Surprisingly, non-clinical staff exhibited higher OTC purchases, contrary to common healthcare worker trends. December showed a surge in purchases, due to coverage termination, risking shortages. The study highlights the risk of inorganic demand and noted a COVID-19-related increase in OTC use.

First Page

1

Last Page

33

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