The MSH’s Better Health in Bangladesh project provided training to 14,129 medicine dispensers of Bangladesh as part of DGDA’s model medicine shop and model pharmacy initiative. Two surveys were conducted among the medicine dispensers who received accreditation.
The main intention of both the 2022 and 2024 surveys was to see whether the medicine dispensers of the model medicine shops and model pharmacies, to whom BHB provided training on GPPs, were continuing to adhere to the 7 key GPPs which both BHB and DGDA decided jointly. It was a desire to see that at least 50% of these medicine shops would continue to practice at least 3 out of the 7 key GPPs.
The 7 key GPPs are listed below:
- The medicine shop does not sell antibiotics without valid prescriptions.
- The medicine shop maintains a register of the antibiotics dispensed.
- Expired medicines are stored separately in a dedicated container labeled “expired medicine, not for sale” with a maintained register.
- Temperature-sensitive medicines (e.g., vaccines, insulin) are stored at 2–8°C in a functioning refrigerator with temperature monitoring.
- The medicine shop provides patient counseling when dispensing medicines.
- Medicines sold are labeled with dosing and timing information
- All suppliers’ invoices are kept for at least two years.
The table below compares the findings of the two surveys:
| Key GPP | Survey 2022 (n=252) | Survey 2024 (n=874) | ||
| No. | % | No. | % | |
| Medicine shops found practicing at least 3 of 7 key GPPs | 227 | 90.0% | 870 | 99.5% |
| 1. Don’t sell antibiotics without a prescription | 85 | 33.7% | 723 | 82.7% |
| 2. Maintain antibiotics sale register | 238 | 94.4% | 761 | 87.1% |
| 3. Keep expired medicines in a separate visibly labeled container | 245 | 88.5% | 851 | 97.4% |
| 4. Store temperature-sensitive medicines at 20-80 Celsius inside a functioning refrigerator | 129 | 100.0% | 722 | 83.1% |
| 5. Counsel clients while dispensing medicines | 140 | 55.6% | 856 | 97.9% |
| 6. Label medicines with dosing and timing information while selling | 104 | 41.3% | 861 | 98.5% |
| 7. Keep all supplier invoices for 2 years | 237 | 94.1% | 201 | 96.2% |
In a comparison on adherence of key GPPs by type of medicine shops (model medicine shop or model pharmacy), it was revealed that the model pharmacies showed better compliance compared to the model medicine shops (2024 survey).
It may be mentioned that the model pharmacies require at least 300 square feet floor space, at least a Grade A pharmacist and provision for selling cold chain medicines. On the other hand, a model medicine shop requires a Grade C pharmacy technician and minimum of 120 square feet floor space.
It may be concluded that the training given to the medicine dispensers with a view to DGDA’s accredited model medicine shops and model pharmacies is effective evident by the survey finding that over 90% of the trained medicine dispensers are continuing to comply with at least 3 out of the 7 key GPPs. They have also shown improvement in each of the 7 key GPPs. The authority should continue the training program to ensure for the people access to quality and safer medicines which will lead them to obtain better health.
