Access to Medicines Policy Research
Access to Medicines as part of a Community Based Peer Educator Program for Patients with Diabetes and High Blood Pressure, Cambodia
The burden of out-of pocket payments (OOP) for patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension has severe implications for individuals and households in Cambodia. While patients with HIV/AIDS and TB benefit from vertical programs, including drug procurement and distribution systems - managed and funded outside the central supply system - patients with non-communicable diseases and chronic conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension) do not qualify for similar care. As a result, these patients are in a much more precarious position when it comes to the continuum of care.
As part of an innovative approach to care for patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, the MoPoTsyo Patient Information Centre has implemented a community-based Peer Educator Network intervention. Alongside the organization of community self-screening, the Network offers: peer education on coping with diabetes; lab tests; and referrals for specialized medical care and essential medicines through a Revolving Drug Fund.
The overall objective of this project is to document additional access barriers to essential medicines that patients in this peer educator programme may face, while also reviewing the programme’s integration into the district health system.
Specifically, researchers will review existing Cambodian policies pertaining to this population and examine the literature on lessons learnt from other low- and middle-income countries in developing a more inclusive programme. Additionally, the grantees will seek the input and cooperation of civil society organizations and stakeholders who are similarly involved with this issue at the district and policy level.
Upon completion of stakeholder inputs, collaboration with civil society, and evidence gathering, the researchers ultimately aim to issue a set of recommendations to further develop district integration. In doing so, integration will not jeopardize the existing access to care and the financial sustainability of continuum of care facing this vulnerable population.
Project description
Programme: Access to Medicines Policy Research
Research title: Access to Medicines as part of a Community Based Peer Educator Program for
Patients with Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
Thematic Research Area: Access to Medicines
Grantee Country: Cambodia
Grantee Institution: MoPoTsyo
Program Coordinator/Principle Investigator: Dr Maurits van Pelt
Start date: Autumn/Winter 2010
Status of grant: Completed (June 2011)