Assessing the performance of local pharmaceutical systems: An analytical approach to improve access to medicine

Well-functioning pharmaceutical systems are crucial for ensuring universal access to medicines and their appropriate use. While existing frameworks for analysing pharmaceutical systems generally focus on the national level, in many countries, the core functions are often managed locally within a broader national framework. Despite this local focus, there has been no effort to conceptualize a 'local pharmaceutical system' as a distinct entity with its own goals, functions and operational components. A method for analysing and comparing the performance of local pharmaceutical systems (LOPHAS) within a country is still lacking. We aim to develop an analytical approach and framework to assess the performance of LOPHAS and guide improvements in access to essential medicines. We conducted an integrative literature review and consulted with purposively selected experts. We systematically searched for existing approaches for conceptualizing or assessing pharmaceutical systems and empirical studies in which these were applied and combined this with insights from 23 reviews and guidebooks suggested by experts to develop the LOPHAS approach and framework. We identified 13 existing frameworks and 16 studies that had applied these frameworks to analyse pharmaceutical systems. Building on these findings, we propose that a LOPHAS has six core functions: (1) local governance, (2) managing product supply, (3) financing, (4) developing human and physical resources, (5) appropriate dispensing and use of medicines and (6) monitoring performance. For each function, we defined operational components and indicators. The primary outcomes of a LOPHAS are access to medicine and appropriate use of medicine. The LOPHAS framework provides a practical tool for assessing and comparing the performance of LOPHAS. By identifying areas for improvement, it can guide policymakers, healthcare providers and local administrators in strengthening systems to ensure that essential medicines are accessible and used appropriately, supporting broader health goals.