Keywords: Drone-delivery, prescribed medicines, remote communities, Ukraine, Affordable Medicines Government Program
Background:
Since its inception in 2017 by the Ministry of Health, Ukraine's Affordable Medicines Program (AMP) has significantly enhanced the provision of essential medications for chronic conditions amidst demographic challenges and a high disease burden, particularly in conflict-affected and remote areas. However, rural regions, including the Bucha community in Kyiv region (was liberated after the Russian occupation in 2022) continue to face access barriers, evidenced by low prescription fulfilment rates and limited pharmacy participation in the AMP.
Aim of the study:
This study aims to assess Zipline's impact on improving medication access and adherence for chronic patients within the AMP by facilitating direct deliveries to healthcare facilities near patient residences, potentially diminishing travel requirements and associated costs.
Methodology:
Adopting a mixed-methods design, this research will compare prescription fulfilment rates and patient adherence between communities served by Zipline and those without service. The study will focus on the Bucha community, encompassing 7 villages and 7 PHC providers, serving over 13,000 residents, from May 2024 to July 2024. Data collection will involve surveys administered to chronic patients during GP visits and follow-up home visits, focusing on adherence, travel distances, and out-of-pocket expenses for prescribed medicines.
Results:
The research is aiming to be provided in the mid of May 2024. Affordability and lack of access to pharmacies in the rural areas result in a very low rate of prescriptions fulfilment. In 2023, only 16.37% of the nation’s e-prescriptions were for rural residents, and only 60% of the pharmacies in villages participated in the program.
Conclusions:
This investigation aims to clarify the relationship between patient adherence and healthcare facility proximity while exploring the impact of drone deliveries in enhancing health outcomes by reducing geographic barriers. By addressing the accessibility gap, the study intends to highlight the transformative potential of aerial logistics in healthcare delivery, particularly in areas with logistical and pharmaceutical constraints.
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