Evaluation of drug prescribing and dispensing practices in Mali in 2021

Introduction: Many health systems in developing countries still face inappropriate medication use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate drug prescribing and dispensing practices in Mali. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among patients with a prescription in public and private sector drug outlets in Bamako, Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, Ségou and Mopti from August to September 2021. Results: A total of 320 prescriptions were collected in our study. The majority of prescribers were general practitioners in the public and private sectors. However, dispensing pharmacists were in the minority in the public sector (3,75%) versus the private sector (40%). The average number of drugs (3,4) and prescriptions for antibiotics (58%), injectables (60,3), generic international nonproprietary names (Inn) (81%) were higher in the public sector compared to the private sector with 3, 43%, 24% and 26,1% respectively. Despite the high average cost of prescriptions in the public (4300 FCFA or about 6 euros) and private (11500 FCFA or about 17 euros) sectors, the majority of them were totally purchased (69,7% and 78,7% respectively). Only 25% of prescribers interviewed in public hospitals and community health centres had received training on the rational use of drugs. Conclusion: The prescribing indicators were, on the whole, above the recommended standards. Strengthening the capacities of actors would be appropriate to address this situation.