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Pharmaceutical: An Introduction
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Pakistan is caught between two opposing realities. Almost 50% of its population has
no reliable access to modern medicines while those who have access are trapped into using non-essential,
irrational and even dangerous drugs. This widespread irrationality, both in the private and public sectors,
leads towards serious health problems and wastage of scarce resources. Drugs such as antibiotics, steroids,
antihypertensive, psychotropic and many more should always be used under the supervision of a qualified medical
practioner. Situation in Pakistan is alarming; almost all kinds of drugs are available over the counter due to
inadequate regulation and implementation of prescription laws in the country.
Objective:
To promote the "Rational use of medication" and "Essential drugs concept" in Pakistan in order to
optimize the usefulness of medicines and help bring equity in their access. TheNetwork advocate for
universal availability, affordability, good quality and safe use of medicines and promote rational
prescription.
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To engender awareness in the public and medical community regarding the Rational Use of Drugs,
Essential Drugs Concept, promotion, marketing and safe use of medicines
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To provide unbiased and independent information on various medications locally available
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To focus media awareness on pharmaceutical issues in Pakistan
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To carry out operational research with the aim of encouraging the rational use of medication and
to support the project objectives
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Monitor good and bad effects of government policies regarding pharmaceuticals and the implementation
of National Drug Policy
Rational use of medicines
Medicines save life and treat diseases but they can also damage. When medicines are used incorrectly, or for
the wrong reasons, the social, economic and health cost can be high. There is widespread concern about the
inappropriate use of medicines. Rational use of medications is essential for healthier community. The
pharmaceutical project advocates for promotion and protection of consumers rights in relation to pharmaceuticals.
Essential drugs concept:
There are more than 25,000 allopathic drug formulations registered in Pakistan. World Health Organization
recommends that only 300 drugs are useful to treat 95% of diseases which are categorized as ‘Essential Drugs’.
While rest of the drugs can be harmful, carry sever adverse reactions, are costly and me-too drugs. Government
of Pakistan has adopted the essential drug concept and Ministry of Health released a National Essential Drug List
(NEDL) in 1995, which is revised in 2003.
TheNetwork’s “WATCH on Medicine”.
TheNetwork’s WATCH on Medicine (Previously Drug Bulletin) is the flagship bimonthly publication of the
organization and is being regularly published since 1992. The publication has been the main organ of
communication and advocacy in the past and reaches to about 12,000 readers.
For further inquiries:
+92-51-2261085
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