Reforming pharmaceutical usage in public health

Description

Reforming pharmaceutical usage in public health involves implementing policies and practices to ensure the rational, safe, and equitable use of medicines. This strategy targets overprescription, misuse, and access disparities by promoting evidence-based guidelines, strengthening regulatory oversight, and enhancing public and professional education. Its core purpose is to optimize therapeutic outcomes, reduce antimicrobial resistance, minimize adverse drug events, and ensure essential medicines are available and affordable for all populations.

Context

Pharmaceuticals account for 10 to 30% of public spending for health in most countries. Very large savings can be achieved by improving the selection and quantification of drug requirements.

Implementation

Governments that have introduced competition in the procurement of drugs have typically achieved savings of 40 to 60%. This is aided by developing using national essential drug lists, consisting of a limited number of inexpensive drugs that address the important health problems of the population, and developing country-specific treatment protocols. An essential-drugs revolving fund for several Central American nations yielded savings of 65% of the costs of the pharmaceuticals.