Attitude and opinion towards essential medicine formulary

Abstract

Objective:The Delhi State Drug Policy was adopted in 1994 following which the first Essential Medicines List (EML) was developed in 1996. The Delhi State Essential Medicines Formulary was brought out in 1997. A need was felt to revise the formulary to match with the EML as the EML is renewed every 2 years.Materials and Methods:A survey was undertaken to elicit the opinions of the doctors practicing in the state on the usefulness of the formulary before revising and printing the updated version. The survey covered dispensaries, 10–20 bedded hospitals, 100-bedded hospitals and two tertiary care hospitals. Discussions were focused on questionnaires on attitudes toward adopting Essential Medicines Formulary using a 10-point scale.Results:Of the 200 doctors approached, only 90 doctors completed the questionnaire. Sixty-nine respondents (76.6%) had received the copy of the formulary. Most practitioners welcomed the formulary and were satisfied with the coverage and selection of the medicines. Most respondents (76.9%) agreed that a well-developed formulary would improve the quality of the public health care system, although they had reservations about the authority, relevance and effect on professional autonomy.Conclusion:About 74% of the respondents used the formulary in clinical practice as a source of medicine information, which makes its regular revision necessary.

The novelty of research article: Whose responsibility is it?

“…This is with reference to the comments on our article[1]. The limitation of the study is mentioned in the discussion.…”

A Case Study on National List of Essential Medicines(NLEM)in India and WHO EML 2015-Overview

“…for use within the state government health facilities it have developed standard guidelines (STGs).the armed forces medical college (AFMC) has expanded STGs. Three subsequent revisions took place in 2003, 2011 and 2015 where the first national list of essential medicines was introduced in 1996.these lists were neither implemented for obtaining drugs nor were STG's made in India, Delhi model list is considered to be one example for other states [14].The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi along with Delhi society for promotion of rational use of drugs (DSPRUD) is providing a lead role of revising the list of essential drugs since 1996, the last being in 2013. It involved widespread participation of doctors from hospitals, dispensaries and health centers.…”

Accessibility and use of essential medicines in health care: Current progress and challenges in India

“…The first NEML was prepared in 1996. [23] This list was neither implemented for procuring drugs nor STGs were drawn up. [24] The first and second revision was published in 2003 and 2011, respectively.…”