Year: 2026 | Month: April | Volume: 13 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 666-677
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260468
The Survey of Analysis, Availability, Affordability, and Pricing of Diabetes Mellitus Medications in Pharmacies in Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia
Sri Raudoh Rezki MR1, Khairunnisa Khairunnisa2, Wiryanto2
1Master in Pharmaceutical Science Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia,
2The Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy/Community, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia.
Corresponding Author: Khairunnisa Khairunnisa
ABSTRACT
Pharmacies face difficulties in providing the various types of medicines needed by the public, especially for conditions requiring ongoing treatment, forcing pharmacies to adjust drug prices to maintain business continuity and potentially affecting the affordability of drugs for the public. This study aimed to evaluate the availability, affordability, and pricing of drugs for diabetes mellitus in pharmacies in Medan, North Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, in 2023 based on the guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National List of Essential Medicines, and the National Formulary. This study used both retrospective and concurrent methods, employing a survey to collect data on medications for diabetes based on the WHO. The survey covered 100 pharmacies in 21 subdistricts of Medan. It showed that of the 17 drugs examined, only four were available in pharmacies. The drug that was almost always available was metformin 500 mg, which had 100% availability. Only 10 drugs were available in pharmacies, with the highest availability being metformin 500 mg, which reached 100%. Fifteen drugs were available, with metformin 500 mg being the most widely available drug, achieving 100% availability. The lowest price for diabetes medication, such as metformin, ranges from Rp750 to Rp1,050 per day, which is still considered affordable. There is still a gap between the current situation and the desired goals, so we recommend updating the list of essential medicines, ensuring their availability in all health institutions, and increasing public awareness.
Keywords: Availability, affordability, diabetes mellitus, pricing, pharmacies.
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