The Problems in Accessing the Medicine for the Chronic Patients’ under the Pandemic Circumstances in Tehran, Iran, and the Ways for Improving it

Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine healthcare delivery, access to the drugs they needed was challenging for patients with non-communicable diseases. This study endeavored to identify the problems of these patients in accessing their medicine during the COVID-19 and the proposed solutions from the perspective of stakeholders.

This qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured individual interviews. Participants (=34) were purposefully selected from Tehran's health policymakers, physicians, pharmacists, and patients with chronic diseases. Data were analyzed through the content analysis method.

Data analysis was categorized into six themes and 15 sub-themes. Primary challenges included medical care, providing the required drugs, financial ability, and access to information. Elevating governance in the drug sector and organizing the drug supply chain were identified as strategies.

To improve patients' access to the medicine they need in crises, proper planning to supply the medicine, use the capacity of pharmacies and pharmacists, set up systems related to telemedicine, and faster implementation of prescription and electronic prescription is recommended.