E-DRUG: How can we promote rational use of medicines? (7)
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Dear E-Druggers,
Greetings to all.
Dr Kathy Holloway's email on "how can we promote rational use of medicines"
(RDU) refers. The recommendations made by the working group of the WHO
technical briefing seminar are supported fully and it is hoped that
stimulation of the many aspects would be devolved down to provincial
levels..
South Africa has progressed in having an Essential Drug Programme with an
essential medicine list. In my limited evaluations in the province
KwaZulu-Natal, I have found that promotion is very necessary to enable the
programme to deliver RDU. The process for improvement is slow but ongoing.
More resources and education could make a difference, which do need a budget and support.
There is need of dedicated human resources and posts in organizations to
promote, monitor, evaluate and feedback on RDU issues to health facilities.
Ongoing continued professional development, where RDU issues are addressed
for empowerment of clinician and dispensers, can make for a partnership in
advancement. Education of communities, especially to dispel beliefs that flu is cured by an antibiotic and that an injection is necessary for sore limbs, would require a budget and could decrease demand.
I look forward to the day where there are provincial RDU units in the
country.
Best wishes
Mariam