Assessment of the magnitude, economic impact, and factors associated with expired veterinary pharmaceuticals in animal health facilities in South Wollo, Ethiopia

• DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1390891
• Publication Date: 2025-01-07T07:39:25Z
• Authors: Yesuneh Tefera Me...; Ermias Belay Meko...; Abebe Tesfaye Ges...; Kassahun Berrie; Achenef Melaku Be...; Bereket Dessalegn
• Keywords: Animal health

The issue of veterinary pharmaceutical expiration is a significant concern in animal health facilities globally. existence can be mainly associated with inadequate inventory control, store management, and lack effective regulatory policies guidelines. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate expired pharmaceuticals' scope, economic impact, contributing factors. A cross-sectional, explanatory sequential design involving mixed quantitative qualitative approach was employed among 13 from March 2022 December 2023 around Dessie town, South Wollo, Ethiopia. key informant interview guide used retrieve data that were analyzed through thematic content analysis. Then, collected coded using SPSS version 25. mean score determine critical factors expiration. found magnitude pharmaceuticals fourth fiscal year 7%. This wastage rate led loss approximately 69,564.54 USD. From unit pack perspectives, 403-unit packs (66%) clinics, resulting 38,229.33 USD, 209-unit (34%) private pharmacies, incurring 31,335.22 Anatomical Therapeutic Classification (ATC), antibiotics accounted for 14.8% total financial loss. Additionally, 53% liquid dosage forms expired. identifies an information system necessary software, poor strict accountability as contributors management systems adherence established guidelines managing most vital informants cited. burden exceeded permissible threshold 2%, indicating budgets aquatic environment. underlines problem necessitates policy implications. To mitigate pharmaceuticals, collaboration multidisciplinary professionals, Ethiopian Agricultural Authority, supply chain agency, researchers essential.