Contribution to the Issue of Essential Drugs in Czechoslovakia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the ratio represented by essential drugs (EDs) in the total consumption of drugs in Czechoslovakia in 1989.

DESIGN:

Retrospective analysis of the assortment and consumption of EDs in 1989.

SETTING:

Department of the Organization and Management of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bratislava.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Consumption of drugs and/or pharmacotherapeutic groups, expressed by the number of formulations, number of units, and in financial terms.

RESULTS:

EDs constitute approximately one-third of the total consumption of drugs in Czechoslovakia (both in terms of volume and finances); almost 60 percent of EDs have dosage forms and concentrations identical to those shown in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Drugs (Sixth List).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results obtained indicate that there is need for a regular updating of the drug policy within the public health branch of the government to more effectively regulate the production and import of drugs.