[e-drug] Estimating the national drug needs

e-drug
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E-DRUG: Estimating the national drug needs
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Hello e-druggers,

Recently, I came across an article (I believe that it was published by the
WHO) that recommends that estimating the drug supply needs of a developing
country be performed once every ten years. Does this ring true with anyone?

Although I have spent a considerable amount of time on the WHO website, I
cannot seem to find such a document, however, a publication , ³Estimating
Drug Requirements, A Practical Manual" is available for sale. Does anyone
know if this reference includes a recommendation on the frequency with which
the drug supply needs should be evaluated?

Thank you for your assistance

Ron Marrocco
Chief of Party
MCDI
Tel: 617-680-8411
rmarrocco@comcast.net

[WHO Quantification manual is from 1988; just wondering why they did not scan it and put it on the website... Asking money for an 18-year old book...

I wonder about that 10-year advice: I would recommend annual updates by combining a demand morbidity based study (from the 1988 book) with feedback from annual historical consumption data.

Demand morbidity theoretically has to change when treatment guidelines or essential drug selection changes. This could happen every 2-3 years, so where that 10 years comes from is a mystery to me as well.

Well, let us hear from the horses mouth! Hans/Marthe?
Wilbert Bannenberg, moderator.

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E-DRUG: Estimating the national drug needs (2)
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Dear colleagues,

I absolutely agree with our moderator's opinion. The frequency of estimates
certainly depends on country's circumstances. However, drug needs should be
monitored and estimated on a much more regular basis than 10 years. For
instance, Kazakhstan does that annually for specific budgeting purposes.

When doing some calculations for KZ MOH in this regard, I used the
publication you mention (1988 edition). It was downloadable from the WHO
website about a year ago free of charge. I do not know why it is for sale
now. As I remember the publication does not recommend on frequency. But you
can take a look at it to make sure as I will be glad to share it with you.

Regards,

Sergei Muratov MPH, MD
National Policy Advisor
ZdravPlus II Project/Abt Associates Inc,
119 Arezzo St., office 110,
Astana, 010000
Kazakhstan
E-mail: sergei@zplus.kz
Phone: (3172)580-234 (w)
(300)309-4747 (cell)
Skype me