A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE PRACTICES OF PHARMACISTS EXPERIENCES WITH ANTI-CANCER MEDICINE DEFICIENCIES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the present status of the anti-cancer drug shortages in Pakistan, their determinants, impact, accepted mitigating strategies, and recommendations. Thirty-five Oncology hospital Pharmacists were chosen to take qualitative semi structured in-depth interviews from August 2025 to October 2025. The data were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach by an inductive method. Data collection was done face-to-face and online. As the pandemic continued, most of the participants faced the problems of drug shortages of anti-cancer drugs, which worsened further. The doses of etoposide, paclitaxel, vincristine, dacarbazine and methotrexate were too low many times. The failure of the regulatory system, lack of local manufacturing and poor inventory management were all key factors in the issue. Some of the consequences were that of patients' priorities, increasing workload, uncomfortable working atmosphere, and patients' trust issues about the pharmacist. Patients also had delayed or poor treatment, and out-of-pocket payments were incurred by patients. The participants called for the role of a cautious regulator in revising all stakeholders' policies and also financial support to all stakeholders at their level to facilitate access to such drugs. Based on the results, it is clear that Pakistan is facing a current shortage of anti-cancer medicines. Governments need to be involved in the reconsideration of policies across all levels of the drug supply chain and promote local drug production of these drugs. Collaboration and inventory management are also important for stakeholders to undertake.