Accessibility of essential medicines for non-communicable diseases in a devolved system of government in trans nzoia County, Kenya

Access to medicines exists when patients have continuous availability of essential medicines at affordable prices within a reachable physical location. With devolution of health services, access to essential medicines is meant to improve. The study sought to determine accessibility to essential medicines for the four major non communicable in Trans-Nzoia County. The study was conducted in five hospitals within Trans Nzoia County using qualitative and quantitative methods. Patients and key personnel were interviewed and secondary documents reviewed. The design was descriptive cross-sectional study carried out for three months. Sample size used was 320 participants attending medical outpatient clinic. Data obtained was analyzed using mean, percentages and standard deviations. The study found that the non-communicable diseases medicines were poorly available at the health facilities at 23%. Stock out rate for essential medicines for non-communicable diseases was found to be high at 202 days per year. With an epidemiological change from communicable to non-communicable diseases, there is need for renewed focus on access to essential medicines for these conditions. Based on the study findings, there is need to increase healthcare funding by County Government for purchase of essential medicines for non-communicable diseases. This will greatly reduce stock out rates thereby increasing availability.