Improving Equitable Access to Essential Medicines and Health Supplies Using a Needs-based Allocation Formula

Pharmaceutical and Supply Chain Management,
Technical Briefs & Case Studies

Improving Equitable Access to Essential Medicines and Health Supplies Using a Needs-based Allocation Formula

A good health system ensures equitable and consistent access to quality essential medicines and health supplies. Health equity is prioritized in Uganda’s National Medicines Policy but unequal resource allocation has resulted in some health facilities having insufficient resources to meet local health needs. To address inequities, the Uganda Health Supply Chain (UHSC) project used a needs-based allocation formula to help ensure that Ugandans receive quality essential medicines and health supplies from facilities that provide the same level of care, ultimately contributing to commodity security and improved health outcomes.