Availability and affordability of anticancer medicines at cancer treating hospitals in Rwanda

Abstract

Availability and accessibility of anti-cancer medicines is the pillar of cancer management, and it is one of the main concerns in low-income countries including Rwanda. The objective of this study was to assess the availability and affordability of anticancer medicines at cancer treating hospitals in Rwanda. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at 5 cancer treating hospitals in Rwanda. Quantitative data were collected from stock cards and software that manage medicines, and included availability of anti-cancer medicines at the time of data collection, its stock status within the last two years, and the selling price. Qualitative data were also collected, and 7 individuals whose responsibility is to avail anti-cancer medicines at cancer treating hospitals in Rwanda were interviewed. Results Our study found the availability of anti-cancer medicines at 41% in public hospitals at the time of data collection, and 45% within the last two years. We found availability of anticancer medicines at 45% in private hospitals at the time of data collection, and 61% within last two years. 80% of anti-cancer medicines in private hospitals were unaffordable while 20% were affordable. The public hospital that had most of anti-cancer medicines in public sector provided free services to the patients, and no cost applied to the anti-cancer medicines. Key informants recommended bulk procurement as a strategy to increase availability and affordability of anti-cancer medicines in Rwanda. Conclusion Availability of anti-cancer medicines in cancer treating hospitals is low in Rwanda, and most of them are unaffordable. Policy makers should design strategies that can increase the availability and affordability of anti-cancer medicines, for the patients to get recommended cancer treatment options.