Abstract:
There is ample evidence to support the observation that
medicines are generally not used rationally or appropriately.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates
that “Rational use of medicines requires that "patients
receive medications appropriate to their clinical
needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements,
for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest
cost to them and their community"
The problem of inappropriate or irrational use of medicines
occurs in all countries; and in various dimensions.
Examples of irrational use of medicines include:
poly-pharmacy (use of too many medicines per patient),
inappropriate use of antimicrobials, inappropriate
use of injections; failure to prescribe according to
clinical guidelines and inappropriate self-medication