Table 3.
Differentiation of medicine samples by collection site, registration and WHO prequalification status, generic versus brand name medicines, and primary packaging
| Total no. of samples | Samples tested according to pharmacopeial monographs | Samples failing pharmacopeial specifications | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All samples | 155 | 56 | 7 (13%) | |
| Type of collection site | ||||
| Public health facility | 67 | 24 | 1 (4%) | 3% |
| CHAM facility | 49 | 11 | 0 (0%) | |
| Licensed pharmacy/drug store | 31 | 16 | 4 (25%) | 29% |
| Nonlicensed vendor | 8 | 5 | 2 (40%) | |
| PMPB registration status of sampled medicines | ||||
| Registered | 111 | 43 | 7 (17%) | |
| Nonregistered | 43 | 12 | 0 (0%) | |
| Unknown | 1 | 1 | 0 (0%) | |
| WHO prequalification status of sampled medicines | ||||
| WHO prequalified | 28 | 7 | 0 (0%) | |
| Not WHO prequalified | 126 | 49 | 7 (14%) | |
| Unknown | 1 | 1 | 0 (0%) | |
| Type of medicine | ||||
| Generic medicine | 77 | 25 | 1 (4%) | |
| Branded generic medicine | 65 | 28 | 6 (21%) | |
| Originator brand medicine | 12 | 2 | 0 (0%) | |
| Unknown | 1 | 1 | 0 (0%) | |
| Type of primary packaging | ||||
| Blister packs | 71 | 25 | 1 (4%) | |
| PVC bottle | 67 | 25 | 3 (12%) | |
| Aluminum strip packs | 2 | 1 | 1 (100%) | |
| Paper strip packs | 2 | 2 | 2 (100%) | |
| Glass ampoules | 12 | 2 | 0 (0%) | |
| Unknown (sold in plastic bag) | 1 | 1 | 0 (0%) | |
CHAM = Christian Health Association of Malawi; PMPB = Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board of Malawi; PVC = polyvinyl chloride; WHO = World Health Organization.