Scope and Challenges Behind Rational Drug Use

Abstract

Rational drug use is becoming a big concern in many underprivileged societies among world. Basic rules of prescription writings are not properly followed in many developed countries. Bangladesh is a developing country where drug sale has become double over a five-year period due to illiteracy of people. Mischief, misbeliefs, and superstitions of underprivileged people, uncontrolled drug pricing, and poor monitoring by regulatory authorities are major problems affecting badly the total healthcare system of Bangladesh. Self-medication, abrupt drug use without prescription, poor access to essential drugs are common. Purpose: Discussion and projection of drug use and monitoring status in Bangladesh. Methodology: Secondary data were used in preparing this study. Projections were based on estimates such as drug end users, providers or prescribers, general theories of rational use, implication, and types of different irrational uses. Findings: Bangladesh is a highly populated country. Economic development and academic flourishing do not represent development in health sector. Both the providers and patients are responsible for irrational drug uses. Research Limitations: It was very difficult to bring out facts of irrational use of drugs because business mentality of the providers’ very little knowledge about drugs crippled the facts. Practical Implication: Pharmacy students, academicians, physicians, hospital associates, public representatives, regulatory authorities, social activists, journalists, and policy-makers should take it a learning for their future work in this arena. Social Implication: The article should contribute an integrated guideline for patient compliance, demand pharmaco-vigilance, and last but not the least a silvery lining to better treatment near future.
Keywords: drug control ordinance, the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), essential medicine, National Drug Policy (NDP), standard treatment guidelines (STG)