E-drug: Russian drug: Allocholum (cont)
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Dear colleagues,
If Prof.Shoukov's list of most frequently sold drugs in Russia reflects
reality it shows that the rational use of drugs in that country is
indeed in a very sorry state. However, so far I have not seen any
reliable drug utilization studies from that region, and it might be
questioned whether at the moment such studies can be done in view
of the degree of disorganization. What particularly strikes me that so
little advance has been made since I reviewed the first Russian lists
in 1991.
In most Central and Eastern European countries there has been
remarkable progress in this area and local industry as well as
importers are adapting themselves slowly but steadily to Western
patterns. Most Balkan countries now have some sort of essential
drugs list or a reimbursement list, some have quite good drug
registration systems, some even have a beginning of a real National
Drug Policy. However, it seems that progress in Russia and the
republics has been much slower, sometimes even resembling a
standstill or a return to old patterns.
What is the reason? Unwillingness of Western industries to sell
modern drugs at a reasonable price? Collapse of the local industry
and no money (ie hard cash) to buy good generics from Eastern
Europe? Failing education of medical students and physicians? The
WHO Essential Drugs List is available in the Russian language but
apparently not used.
Some NGO's have been active in this field in Russia during the last 6-
7 years - Let them share their experience and tell us what can be
done to improve the situation.
Good luck!
Dr.L.Offerhaus
Koedijklaan 1a, NL-1406KW Bussum, The Netherlands
Phone: +31-35-6923288. Fax: +31-35-6923290
E-mail: LO@EURONET.NL
CompuServe: 71530,15
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