Conclusion
DTC pilot program was introduced with the primary aim of promoting
medicines management and to reduce irrational medicines use in Sierra
Leon. Evidence shows that DTC can be useful towards that end. Some
hospital DTC made considerable progress through the introduction of
policies and practices that promotes effective medicines, use, rational
prescribing, and better patients’ medication management. Except for a
few, the majority of members expressed interest in DTC in Sierra Leone.
Nevertheless, challenges need to be overcome for better optimization of
the program nationally. DTC funding and operational resources, stand out
as the most important limitation followed by technical competence of
members. Therefore, policymakers must note these drawbacks and formulate
effective interventions towards addressing them whilst expanding DTC
programs to other hospitals in Sierra Leone.