DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN THE THIRD-WORLD

Drugs are not available to the majority of the population in developin g countries. Aggravating factors include weak healthcare structure, in adequate financial resources, nonavailability of pharmaceuticals, lack of drug legislation and policy, ineffective drug utilisation and the prevalence of self-medication. Although most of the population lives i n rural areas, available funds are mostly utilised for urban areas. Th e use of drugs by injection is common in developing countries. In addi tion, many patients self-medicate because most drugs are available wit hout a prescription from a doctor. There is therefore a great need for prescriber education in rational drug use, and for public education i n the use of commonly used drugs. National health and drug policies sh ould be formulated which incorporate the essential drug concept, and d rug legislation needs to be revamped and implemented effectively. Thes e measures may be helpful in providing better healthcare to the majori ty of the population in developing countries.