Dear Neil,
Though access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries is a problem, a section is using medicines excessively. Contributing factors are the lack of concept of Rational Use of Medicines (RUM) by the prescribers, health care providers and patients. Several factors include- Unregulated promotional practice, trade mindset of dealers though drug is not a commodity like other goods and self medication. This has happened mostly due to non implementation of existing policy and regulations or not framing appropriate legislation.
A two pronged approach of promoting RUM and strict implementation of existing regulation may be the answer.
Subhash
(Dr. Subhash C. Mandal)
HIFA profile: Subhash C Mandal is Co-ordinator, Drug Information Centre, Kolkata, India. Professional interests include Improving access to health care services especially access to medicines; Achieving MDG 4,5 &6; Health Policy & Pharmaceutical Policy; Publishing weekly Drug Information Bulletin, Running a Drug Information Centre. He is a member of the HIFA Challenge Working Group on Prescribers and Users of Medicines. subhash.mandaldr AT gmail.com
