National Medicines Policies Richard Laing EDM/PAR WHO -EDM

Objectives Review the history of NDPs Discuss the background to NDP’s List the Components of a NDP Review actors involved in the NDP process Debate characteristics of an NDP Discuss the Global Pharmaceutical Market

History of National Drug Policies 1985 Nairobi Conference of Experts on rational Use of Drugs 1987 Working group of Experts to draft guidelines for NDP’s 1988 Guidelines for NDP’s released 1995 Expert Committee on NDPs met report issued 2002 New Guidelines published

Background to NDP’s Need for common framework to coordinate many different actors in the pharmaceutical field: These include regulators (quality, safety and efficacy), producers (local & international), users (prescribers & consumers), health planners & managers, health finance authorities and researchers. Each have valid interests in the field which may be contradictory or supportive Involves both public & private sectors

Components of a NDP Legislation, Regulation and Guidelines Selection of Drugs Supply (incl. procurement & production issues) Quality Assurance Rational Drug Use Economic Strategies for Drugs Monitoring & Evaluation of NDP’s Research Human Resources Development Technical Cooperation among Countries

Overview of Components Each component has a crucial part in the overall policy! Emphasizing one component at the expense of others, weakens the entire policy Many different actors are involved. Some are outside MoH, some outside government, some outside country Means that NDP planners need to be aware, though not expert, in all areas!

Many Actors Involved! Some pro, some against! Doctors, specialists, public/private Pharmacists retail and manufacturing Local and international producers, importers Consumers/Patients Media Regulators Insurance Companies Etc, Etc,

Characteristics of a National Medicines Policy Essential part of health policy, must fit within the framework of a particular health care system. Goals should be consistent with broader health objectives Health policy and the level of service provision in a particular country are important determinants of drug policy and define the range of choices and options. Implementation of an effective drug policy promotes confidence in and use of health services.

Global Pharmaceutical Market 2002 $406 billion 5% US, Europe & Japan 78% 1.3% Market projected to grow 7.8% annually Source www.ims-global.com/insight/report/global/report.htm