United Nations Radio

An alarming lack of essential medicines in the public sector is driving patients to pay higher prices in the private sector or go without, according to the World Health Organization.

In a report in today's online edition of The Lancet, the UN health agency says a study of surveys in 36 countries shows an average public-sector availability of only less than 40 per cent.

The agency says this forces patients to buy medicines in the private sector which are three times more expensive.

WHO points out that in Africa, for example, the lowest-paid government worker needs to spend a two days salary each month to buy diabetes treatment using the lowest-priced generic medicines.

The agency adds that when the originator brand is used, costs escalate to over eight days' wages.

It says the results confirm that governments must do more to improve access to essential medicines as part of efforts to make national health systems more efficient and equitable.

United Nations Radio, Diane Bailey

(duration: 1'04")