AVAILABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF COMMONLY PRESCRIBED ANTIBIOTICS AMONG GENERAL PUBLIC IN TWIN CITIES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Access to essential antibiotics remains a significant challenge in low and middle income countries, where high medicine costs and inconsistent availability can limit effective treatment. In Pakistan, out of pocket expenditure on medicines is substantial, often forcing patients to compromise on prescribed therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the accessibility, availability and affordability of commonly prescribed antibiotics in Twin cities of Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 participants, Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, pharmacy access and availability of prescribed medicines and affordability was assessed using WHO/HAI method by calculating the number of days’ wages required to complete a standard treatment course. Results: Most participants reported reasonable physical access to pharmacies, with a short travel and waiting time, while prescribed medicines were available for the majority, a considerable proportion experienced non-availability due to stock-outs, absence of specific prescribed brands or dosage forms. Affordability emerged as a major concern, with two-thirds of participants unable to afford their prescribed treatment. A strong association was observed between household income and affordability, with individuals earning below PKR 70,000/month facing the greatest difficulty. Conclusion: The findings indicate that affordability, rather than physical access or availability, is the primary barrier to appropriate antibiotic use in this population.