Background
A rational drug policy is one based on drug use in which patients receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them and their community.Causes of irrational drug use
*Irrational prescribing practices of doctors *Dispensing by pharmacists and drug sellers *Drug pricing policies and promotional activities of the pharmaceutical industry *Lack of information, education and communication on rational drug use to providers and consumers *Lack of effective control and regulatory mechanisms on drug use and *Lack of political will and leadership to promote rational use.Centralised buying agency
Under an integrated national pharmaceutical policy, the central buying agency channels all imports and production of pharmaceuticals, calling for worldwide bulk tenders which are limited to the approved drugs listed in the national formulary. The public and private health sectors must obtain all their requirements from the central buying agency. InDrug information
It is essential that correct information drugs and therapeutics be given to all medical personnel. The promotional material provided by the drugs manufacturers tends to be distorted in favour of their own products and adds to the costs of supplying drugs. In Sri Lanka, drug information was provided from official sources. ''The Prescriber'', a quarterly publication edited by the NFC, was published by the SPC and distributed to all medical personnel. The extravagant promotional practices of drugs manufacturers were stopped to remove the dangers and costs inherent in process.International experience
The Sri Lankan policy was supported bySee also
*References
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