Availability and affordability of antidiabetic medicines based on WHO/HAI standard survey methods in Iran

Background: Adequate access and affordability of anti-diabetic medications are essential for effective diabetes management. The present study seeks to investigate the availability and affordability of anti-diabetic medications in Iran. Methods: : In order to investigate the significance of access to anti-diabetic medicines and the financial ability of patients to pay for them, data was collected from 68 private pharmacies and 11 government pharmacies in a relatively deprived province in west of Iran, utilizing a modified methodology developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Action International (HAI). Results: : the findingsshowed the total mean availability of anti-diabetic medicines in in both the public (52.88%) and private (55.99%) sectors, the availability of metformin, especially the generic type, is the highest in both the private (100%) and public (88.3%) sectors. Insulin, especially the brand type, has the highest level of availability in both the private (93.3%) and public (91.4%) sectors. The lowest level of access is related to the drug depagliflozin in both the private (21.5%) and public (38.1%) sectors. Also the level of affordability for all antidiabetic medicines was suitable except for insulin. Conclusion: The availability and affordability of antidiabetic medicines in Iran is relatively acceptable compared to other similar studies in developing countries. The Iranian pharmaceutical system can be a good model for other developing countries by using the strengths of the generic system and replacing brand medicines.