Linkage between Pharmacies and Health Systems for NCDs Management. A Guide for Policymakers and Practitioners
This guide has been developed based on the successful implementation of an urban health system strengthening research programme conducted in Pokhara Metropolitan City of Gandaki Province, Nepal, as part of the CHORUS Research Programme Consortium. The research was conducted through a partnership between the Health Division of Pokhara Metropolitan City and HERD International, with the aim to strengthen the urban health systems through evidence generation and use of evidence in improving access to quality health services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in an urban setting.
The study was conducted in four phases- need assessment (identifying gaps in health systems), co-design (collaborative designing of an intervention model), Implementation (to address gap and its implementation) and evaluation (assessment of the intervention’s impact), using the RE-AIM framework.
Drawing on these practical experiences and lessons learned, this guide has been prepared to support local governments in Nepal for implementing the PEN package through private pharmacies. It provides step-by-step guidance on establishing functional partnerships, strengthening service readiness at pharmacy level, and integrating private providers into the health system. The guide is intended to assist federal, provincial and local government in designing context-appropriate public–private partnership models that improve access, quality, and continuity of NCD services in urban areas.
