ASSESSING THE AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINE IN PHCS OF KAUSANI WARD, WUDIL LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KANO STATE

This study assessed the availability and utilization of essential medicines in Primary Health Care (PHC) Centres of Kausani Ward, Wudil Local Government Area, Kano State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis. A total of 120 respondents, including patients, health workers, and other stakeholders, were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests. The findings revealed that the availability of essential medicines in PHCs was inconsistent, with frequent stockouts and irregular supply. Major factors identified as contributing to shortages included inadequate funding (75%), poor supply chain management (76.7%), and corruption in procurement and distribution processes (76.7%). Despite these challenges, utilization of available medicines was generally encouraging, as 75% of respondents reported obtaining their drugs from PHCs, and 85% adhered to prescribed dosages, reflecting good patient compliance. However, issues such as long waiting times, insufficient drug quantities, and occasional referrals to external drug vendors negatively affected utilization. Furthermore, the study showed that knowledge and awareness of essential medicines among respondents were relatively high, with 80% acknowledging that health workers explained medicine use, though structured health education programs were lacking. Inferential analysis indicated a significant relationship between educational level and awareness of essential medicines (χ² = 12.54, p = 0.006), and between gender and utilization (χ² = 4.62, p = 0.032). ANOVA results also revealed significant differences in perceptions of medicine availability across occupational groups (p = 0.017). The study concludes that essential medicine availability in PHCs of Kausani Ward remains inadequate, primarily due to weak supply chains, poor funding, and governance challenges. However, utilization and awareness levels are relatively positive when medicines are available. The study recommends increased government funding for essential medicines, transparent procurement systems, staff training on stock management, and structured community health education to promote rational drug use. Strengthening these areas will enhance the effectiveness of PHCs and contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. Keywords: Essential medicines, availability, utilization, Primary Health Care, Kausani Ward, Wudil Local Government, Kano State.