E-drug: WHO definition of Drug Information Centre (cont'd)
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I can't say I'm familiar with the definition, in spite of 8 years in a DIC,
but here it goes anyway.
One wants independence (in funding in particular) from
pharmaceutical companies or other parties who have interests in
promoting specific medicines or unproven therapies and the like - it is
acceptable for the DIC to be based in or part of a hospital, ministry or
university - and one presumes this is the intended interpretation.
With regard to specialised centres, the definition must be understood
within the context in which it is made. A general centre is likely to be
established before specialised units so it may be relevant to monitor
and support the establishment/function of general DICs. Reference to
where the definition comes from will probably clarify this.
Regards,
Douglas Ball
Dept. of Pharmacy Practice
Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center
University of Kuwait, PO Box 24923 Safat 13110
Kuwait
Tel: (965)531-2300 ext. 6048
Fax: (965)534-2807
E-mail: dball@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw
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