Cost-sharing Drug Scheme (CSDS): an experience from Chyangthapu Health Post

Abstract

This paper describes a community-organised Cost-Sharing Drug Scheme (CSDS) in a remote Health Post (HP) of eastern Nepal. The inadequate annual supply of drugs from the government was supplemented by an additional supply from Britain Nepal Medical Trust (BNMTa) in 80% of the cost price. The prescribed drugs were dispensed at 40% of the cost price. The local Village Development Committees (VDCs) also made financial contribution. Thus, the government supply, BNMT subsidy, the local VDC contribution and the patient fee helped to generate a revolving fund which was managed by the Local Health Support Committee (LHSC). The District Health Office (DHO) carried out the supervision/monitoring and BNMT staff facilitated the process of Drug Scheme Programme (DSP) implementation. The result showed that single item fee improves the quality of care and the local community can be involved in drug schemes management.