1. National Medicines Policies
Richard Laing
EDM/PAR
WHO -EDM

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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!

7. 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,

8. 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.

9. Global Pharmaceutical Market 2002 $406 billion5%
US, Europe & Japan 78%
1.3%
Market projected
to grow 7.8% annually
Source