Evaluation of Prescribing Pattern in Mirpur Azad Kashmir using who Prescribing Indicators

Abstract

Promotion of rational use of drugs in developing countries is necessary for improving the quality of life. Therefore, evaluation of drug use pattern using World Health Organization (WHO) indicators is necessary for assessment of rational use of drugs. 200 prescriptions were randomly collected from different pharmacies in Mirpur and evaluated to measure prescribing indicators. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 25). Average count of drugs prescribed per prescription was 3.8 (S.D+ 2.01). Percentage of antibiotics prescribed, and injections prescribed per prescription was 42% (n=84) and 16% (n=32) respectively. The percentage of drugs prescribed from Essential Drugs List was 90.5%. It was concluded that prescribing pattern was far away from the standard WHO requirements. Greater number of drugs and overuse of antibiotics focused on close monitoring and regulation of prescribing pattern. Steps should be taken to encourage the rational use of drugs to improve the quality of life.