Increasing Point of Access to Quality Healthcare in African Countries

About 32 years ago, I had a bad car accident while returning from school in Enugu, Nigeria. I was the pedestrian, crossing a major road for the first time. I was only 5 years old. Blood rushed from the right side of my head. There were many lacerations all over my body. I took a direct hit. Although this was tragic, I won the lottery of fate. At the time, a friend suggested to the offending driver to take me to a clinic my family was familiar with.?He listened. As soon as we got to the clinic, the physician and staff treated me as an emergency case and provided an excellent personalized care. I was lucky. However, my luck did not end there. I felt very fortunate to talk to the local pharmacist about the continuity of my wounds, and how I can always pay less.?

Weeks later, my scalp wound turned into a huge swell (cellulitis).?I looked hideous! I went to school, but my classmates avoided sitting close to me. I spent a lot of time at home by myself. At one point, the school would not allow me to come. It was the first time I experienced stigma. The teachers feared my swollen head might be contagious. I did not understand what was going on, but I knew I was in severe pain and ridicule, hence a very traumatic experience. I went to the pharmacy close to us to get information on my situation, and begged them to fix the swelling. It was there I got the medical information I needed, they promptly dressed my wound and treated me with antibiotics and pain medication. This was a life changing experience for me. I have a high-respect for pharmacists since then!

This story, for anyone who lives in western countries, may paint a different picture of the pharmacist. The role of pharmacist in Africa is closely related to prevention and early intervention. They are a hub for access to medical care and health information. The pharmacist changed my life forever. It is an interesting fact that, many Africans who are unable to go to hospitals because of a lack of funds, will attempt to go to the pharmacy for health information inquires or possible medication for their ailment.

At the pharmacy, there will be conversation and the patient will state their symptoms. This gives the pharmacist the opportunity to show empathy and support patients with a recommendation for medication or treatment based on their symptoms. The patient will only pay for medication received and move on. This social phenomenon regarding the role of a pharmacist aids the rich, poor, middle, and lower income families toward access to healthcare. It is a signal for a grassroots community connection for access to healthcare from the local store. It is an outreach for patient centered care within the community. Such a connection matters in the health and support of people in Africa with limited access to healthcare.

My journey in 2020 through New Haven Healthcare Solutions, and Clinton Global Initiative University, Class of 2020 is to pioneer processes and implementations that has not been done before which are: increasing access to healthcare by increasing the role of Pharmacists to include:

1.??????Advocate that pharmacists to be recognized as part of primary care team.

2.??????Train and provide them with lab equipment, designed to collect samples, and run evidence-based tests that will cost less.

3.??????Have network of licensed providers who can consult, and perform patient-care treatment plans, using telehealth platforms, over electronic tablets.

4.??????Have secured electronic record application, available to both pharmacists and doctors who will be playing a vital part in care managing patients with chronic conditions, and patients placed on life-time medication plan. This is because, you cannot manage patients you cannot account for.

For this cause to be effective, and to achieve the goal of creating broader access to healthcare services, I do ask that you help fund me to complete all phases of grassroot, Community health Care. The fund will go into designing electronic applications, innovating electronic record trackers, that will form the base for patient-centered navigation. I am also looking to collaborate with Pharmacy trainers that will train other pharmacists, how to perform integrated managed services into their daily routine. I am also looking to partner with university to provide clinical training that will be in equivalent to that of Paramedics or Medical Technician. I will need to build partnership with companies in medical logistics. These tools will help pharmacists to focus on direct patient-care. Your donation will help contribute to the lives of people who do not have a voice, and want to live healthy. I will keep you updated on the progress if you follow me on the journey on Facebook donation link https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157703753792367&substory_index=0&id=734067366 (#NewHavenHealthSolutions) and on LinkedIn Page (linkedin.com/in/prince-anyanwu-mph-bhsa-98848450).

I would like to use this platform to acknowledge the work of mPharma, under the leadership of Gregory Rockson. The organization, are doing a great job in designing vendor-managed inventory systems with pharmacy partners, their work spans from data improvement forecasting to procurement, resupplying stock for its participating network of pharmacy. Their services have helped in reducing per unit cost of medication, making purchasing very affordable and accessible. Thank you #mPharma