ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Mohamed TE and Awad MM*
Rational: Studies conducted showed that there were gaps regarding the rational use of medicines (RUM). Aims and Objectives: to evaluate of prescriptions pattern and its economic losses at National Medical Supplies Fund (NMSF) Khartoum pharmacy, using WHO indicators. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using random sampling method, a total of 100 prescriptions were collected and analyzed from May- July 2016. Index of Rational Drug Prescribing (IRDP), dispensing, health facility and complementary indicators were selected and used as an indicator of RUM. Main Results: the mean values of prescribing indicators of RUM were estimated to be within the WHO optimal values for number of drugs per prescription (2.5 Vs >3) and antibiotics (5% vs. >30%), However, the discrepancy was reported regarding the injections indicator which was found to be more than the WHO optimal value (31% vs. >10%) and generics to be less than the WHO optimal value (30% vs. 100%).The economic loss due to irrational use of injections was high (85%). Conclusions: Strategies and interventions are desirable to promote RUM and minimize the consequences of using injectable medicines.
Keywords: Health Care; Polypharmacy; Immunology; Health Insurance