K-P to introduce first-ever drug policy

Doctors will prescribe formulas of medicines instead of brand names to reduce costs

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has decided to introduce a drug policy in the province under which doctors would only prescribe the formula of a medicine instead of its brand name.

A meeting to present the first-ever drug policy was convened under the chairmanship of K-P Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah. Deputy Secretary for Drugs Ibrahim, Director General (DG) for Drugs and Pharmacy Services Dr Abbas and a delegation from the Young Pharmacists Community, among other officials from the Drug Directorate, attended the meeting. The proposed policy for the provision of standardized medicines to the general public was presented in the meeting. The Health Minister hinted at approving the policy after formal proceedings after which it would be presented to the cabinet for the government’s approval for its implementation.

The Health Minister was informed that, according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, pharmacists’ appointment at hospitals would be brought in line with pharmacy services. Under the policy, pharmacists’ services would be integrated with health centres, doctors would prescribe medicines based on formulas instead of brands which would eliminate brand pricing and supply manipulation in the drug market. Implementation of the policy is expected to reduce patient drug expenses and ensure the proper use of medications, leading to a reduction in mortality rates.

The Health Minister was informed that there was a shortage of pharmacists in the province and that K-P was the first province where a separate Drug Directorate General had been established from where e-drug sales licences were issued and online access to drug testing laboratory reports was available.

As per Supreme Court orders, one pharmacist’s appointment on fifty beds is mandatory. Through the policy, the appointment of pharmacists at hospitals would ensure public access to standardized medicines at lower rates.

The policy will also help in reducing the harmful effects of medications by enhancing pharmacovigilance and anti-biotech resistance in hospitals, as well as in maintaining drug storage and supply chains.

The implementation of the policy will assist in curbing counterfeit and substandard medicines in the market. Currently, there are only 56 drug inspectors appointed in the entire province who are monitoring registered and unregistered pharmacies totalling 17,000.

A proposal to establish a Drug Information and Poison Control Centre in the province has been put forward as part of the policy. The centre will provide guidance on any kind of poisoning or drug overdoses online or through phone calls.

Establishing a drug testing laboratory at the divisional level has also been recommended. Furthermore, the appointment of one drug inspector at the tehsil level has been proposed.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2024.