Trademarks in Pharmaceuticals Infringement and Ethical Issues in Retail Outlets: The Case of Addis Ababa, Bole Sub city

Abstract

This study was aimed assessing the situation of deceptive trademark infringements in pharmaceutical business and assess the ethical valuation of the business in the retail outlets in the context of Bole sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Besides, the assessment of perceived effect on prescriptions and patients was covered in the study. A descriptive type of study was adapted with the application of both qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 40 pharmaceutical retail outlets and 40 members of these pharmaceutical retail outlet management and dispensers were involved in the study as respondents. The selection of the retail outlets was made following a systematic random sampling technique while that of the selection of the staff was done via purposive sampling technique. In addition, existing policies were reviewed as source of data for the study. Semi structured questionnaire, interview guide, document review checklist and observation checklist were used to collect data on the variables of the study. The finding of the study revealed Ethiopia has placed sound policy and guidelines to control infringed pharmaceutical products; infringed pharmaceutical products sale is common in the retail outlets; and it does have some level of effect on prescription and negative effect on patients. It also indicated as some of the dispensers think it is ethical to engage in such trade though most of the dispensers reported as they think differently. As a way forward to address the problem and protect patients, recommendations are forwarded. These include, assuring the availability of drugs in the market with a fair price and make a strict control on distribution. It is also recommended that FMHACA has to play the leadership role in assuring the availability of the drugs and the effectiveness of the control system.