SANCTIONS & DRUG EFFICACY: ASSESSING DOCTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN QUALITY & AVAILABILITY OF DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED MEDICINES IN IRAN UNDER THE IMPACT OF SANCTIONS.

Abstract

Title: Sanctions and drug efficacy: assessing doctors' confidence in quality and availability of domestically produced medicines in Iran under the impact of sanctions. Researcher: Anahita Zare Supervisor: Mr. Alan Lynch Submission date: August 2024 Purpose: The primary aim of this research is investigating the impact of international sanctions on Iranian doctors' confidence in the quality, efficacy, and safety of domestically produced medicines and identifying the challenges which they face to ensure about the effectiveness of patient care practices under these conditions. Methodology: A qualitative research method was applied for this study and required data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with Iranian doctors. All the gathered data were analyzed thematically and the Iranian doctors' confidence in the quality and safety of domestically produced medicines the key challenges which they have been facing and their adopted strategies to deal with those challenges were uncovered. Findings: This research revealed that Iranian companies have been performing proficiently in producing medicines regarding OTC medicines and medicines for uncomplicated cases with good quality and also doctors expressed confidence in their quality. However, there is still a severe shortage of life-saving medications and doctors were highly concerned about the quality of domestic medicines for those complicated cases. This study also identified the challenges that doctors face regarding managing the medicines supplies, the ethical dilemmas, and the broader impacts of sanctions on medical equipment and food supply chain in Iran