221.610.81
Pharmaceutical Systems: Advancing Access to Medicines in the Field
Location
Internet
Term
4th Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online with Some Synchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
This course recommends evaluative health services experience. Either Foundations of International Health (220.601); Problem Solving in Public Health (550.608); Applications in Managing Health Organizations in LMICs (221.602); Health Systems in LMICs (221.646); or equivalent work experience qualifies.
Examines through real-world applications the pharmaceutical and supply chain management (SCM) operations in LMICs in order to improve governance, regulatory frameworks, and supply chain logistics. Appraises the integration of pharmaceutical services within national health systems and optimization of SCM to ensure the delivery of medicines. Practices through case studies, the complexities of pharmaceutical financing, procurement, and logistics, gaining insights into how effective SCM can enhance the availability and use of quality-assured medicines. Emphasizes the importance of sustainable systems, and provides strategies for operational efficiency, workforce capacity development, and decision-making processes in resource-constrained environments.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the key factors in the Drug Management Cycle, including selection, procurement, distribution, policy and regulation, and rational use of pharmaceuticals
- Define key terms and concepts that impact pharmaceuticals and their management in developing countries and within underserved populations
- Identify and explain the relative strengths and weaknesses of alternative ways to raise revenues and finance pharmaceuticals and their related services
- Apply the Problem Solving framework and related assessment tools to evaluate a timely pharmaceutical systems challenge, both through individual and group work
- Create a strategic plan to address a focused pharmaceutical challenge that offers feasible options to strengthen local capacity to achieve desired health outcomes
- Collaborate effectively in teams to identify potential pharmaceuticals systems obstacles and present solutions to funders and/or a country's Health Minister
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 50% Quizzes
- 25% Participation
- 15% Group Work
- 10% Reflection
Enrollment Restriction
Undergraduate students must request consent prior to enrolling