E-DRUG: Inappropriate donations to Aceh (10)
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While I respect Dr. Passmore's suggestion that estimates of the cost of
inappropriate donations be developed, I suggest we agree the cost is
unacceptable, period, and get on with the task of improving things. Direct action is
required each time an inappropriate donation is observed. In his June 18 note,
Dr. Passmore mentioned "a large number of the pallets" of inappropriate drugs
dumped in Aceh. It would be enormously and directly helpful if the shipper
of those pallets and their content were communicated to the Department of
Medicines Policy and Standards at WHO and, if the donor or the products were
from a major NGO or firm, to PQMD.
I hope the above does not appear dismissive of Dr. Passmore's suggestion.
On the contrary. But as I'm sure he would agree, documentation of the high
cost of bad behavior may not, by itself, be enough. For instance, there are
credible estimates of the cost of irrational prescribing -- in dollars,
hospitalizations and deaths; yet few would claim that the professions have taken
adequate steps to improve matters. Let's both measure and take action on this
matter.
James B. Russo
Executive Director
The Partnership for Quality Medical Donations
146 Koenig Rd.
Bernville, PA 19506
USA
jbrusso@pqmd.org
610 488 8303
610 488 7036 (fax)
JBRusso@aol.com
[Yes, we do need to develop a response mechanism. It would be good to hear from the Department of Medicines Policy and Standards at WHO. Could they assist? BS]