Quality Use of Medicines: Policy and Practice

The global public health issue of pharmaceutical waste: what role for pharmacists?

“…The efficient use of pharmaceuticals is referred to by the World Health Organisation (WHO) (1985) as the rational use of medicines which occurs "when patients receive the appropriate medicines, in doses that meet their own individual requirements, for an adequate period of time and at the lowest cost, both to them and the community" (Holloway, 2011) p. 335. The challenge of resource efficiency was first responded to in Australia through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), introduced in 1950 to ensure equity of access to safe and affordable medicines for all Australians (Hunt, 2010). Then it was further addressed through the National Medicines Policy (NMP) introduced in 2000 with one of its central objectives being the Quality Use of Medicines.…”

“…The Quality Use of Medicines argues for the judicious, appropriate, safe and efficacious use of medicines (Australian Government, 2000). Ultimately, it was the economic cost to the Australian Government of the burgeoning PBS that was the key driver for the development of a National Medicines Policy (Hunt, 2010) and it continues to be the main driver of resource efficiency (Treasury, 2010) p.49. Environmental considerations are not a driver but rather, a co--benefit, of cost--driven resource efficiency and patient safety measures in Australia.…”

“…The challenge of resource efficiency was first responded to in Australia through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), introduced in 1950 to ensure equity of access to safe and affordable medicines for all Australians (Hunt, 2010). Then it was further addressed through the national medicines policy (NMP) introduced in 2000 with one of its central objectives being the quality use of medicines.…”