ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Shagali Hana EH*, Sahal Elmardi A and Mousnad MA
Background: Irrational drug use is a worldwide health problem. A high rate of medical utilization, especially in antibiotics prescribing were observed in the National Health Insurance Fund in Sudan. The aim of this study was to evaluate prescribing pattern. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using World Health Organization (WHO) core drug use indicators for three months January, February and March 2011 in the Referring case office in the NHIF. Results: A total of 396 prescriptions were collected, 99 prescriptions from each of the selected four states in Sudan (North, Gazirea, North Kordoufan, and Kassala) for three months January, February and March. The overall results for the four states verify that the average number of drug per prescription was 2.87 ±1.72. 38.32% of drugs were prescribed by generic name. Percentage of drug prescribed from Essential drug list of Sudan was 91.52%. Antibiotics and injections encountered were 47.73%, and 29.79% respectively. Conclusion: The finding of this study shows a trend towards irrational prescribing. So, there is great need for effective intervention strategies to encourage the physicians and pharmacists in promoting more rational drug use.
Keywords: Irrational Prescribing; Sudan; National Health Insurance Fund; Referring Cases
