E-drug: Re: Drug Information for Patients (cont'd)
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I have read the postings of Dr. Ekbal from Kerala and Philippa Saunders
from UK regarding their experiences and interest in the role of BNF
which played a major role in helping preparation of drug formularies in
various States and Countries. The usefulness of the BNF is undisputable,
since it extensively covers the various vital information of each and
every drug profile. BNF is an essential must for every prescriber who's
professional motto should be Rational Prescription of Drug.
The main aim of Rational use of drugs is to shatter the age old belief that
" THERE IS A PILL FOR EVERY ILL". In this connection information regarding the
safety and efficacy of each and every drug should be fully known to the
prescribers. This can be achieved by providing objective drug
information in the form of drug formularies based on the ESSENTIAL DRUG
LIST of that State or Country.
In my experienc and that of my colleagues, BNF acts as a good model on
how drug information can be catogorised and presented in a nut-shell to
the readers.Its usefulness as a hand book is invaluable at the bed side.
Only disadvantage is its high price and scarce availability in India,
which may be keeping away the doctors from possessing it. In our
experience many drug formulay committees are using the BNF as a
standard reference guide for preparing the drug profile.
Dr.S.Gopalakrishnan.
drsgopal@md3.vsnl.net.in
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