Community Pharmacist’attitudes towards Counterfeit Medicines in Yogyakarta Indonesia
Penulis/Author
Prof. Dr. Susi Ari Kristina, S.Farm., M.Kes., Apt. (1); Kadek Hendra Darmawan (2); apt. Rizka Prita Yuliani, S.Farm., M.Pharm (3); Fathul Muin, M.Pharm., Apt. (4); Vo Quang Trung (5)
Tanggal/Date
17 2023
Kata Kunci/Keyword
Abstrak/Abstract
Counterfeit medicines (CFMs) is a catastrophic public health issue that encompasses alltherapeutic classes in Indonesia. It is a consensus that community pharmacists in many countries couldcontribute to preventing the distribution of CFMs. Information on community pharmacists’ attitudesregarding CFMs is lacking. This study explores the attitudes of community pharmacists in Yogyakarta,Indonesia, regards to CFMs. The specific aim was to identify the perceived reason, the method used toidentify CFMs, and complemented with recommendations on what aspects are lacking today. A cross-sectional study involving 350 community pharmacists in Yogyakarta province was conducted. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed the components of their attitude toward CFMs. The Likert-scale statementswere implemented to best describe pharmacists’ attitudes in responding to specific questions. Mostcommunity pharmacists perceived a business profit induced by exceeded market demand and a medicineshortage as significant reasons for CFMs in Indonesia. They are confident in identifying CFMs through themedicine’s appearance, packaging, and noticeable price difference. This study captures the need forenforcing regulators to take more responsibility for specific CFMs regulations and build a centralized systemfor reporting the potential cases of CFMs, allowing for continuous country CFMs surveillance. Communitypharmacists could be a crucial supporting function in preventing CFMs from reaching patients. To enhancetheir role, a robust reporting system is urged to be adopted and socialized in a massive way.
