A roundtable discussion on the “Rational Use of Drugs” was organized by the School of Pharmacy, Brac University at the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) Centre of the university on Sunday.
The event was chaired by Prof Eva Rahman Kabir, dean, School of Pharmacy, Brac University, and conducted by the convenor of this roundtable, Dr Sharmind Neelotpol, and Dr Mesbah Talukdar, associate professors at the school, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.
During the 2-hour discussion, emphasis was given on how rational use of drugs can be ensured in Bangladesh. Several causes of the irrational use of drugs were identified and how healthcare professionals can come together to solve these problems were discussed as well.
The discussion further highlighted the possible solutions to such problems, one of which is the lack of awareness in the general population. Stakeholders such as manufacturers of medicines to the end users, will need to fulfill their responsibilities diligently with collaboration among hospitals, pharmaceutical industries and academia.
Another issue identified is the absence of universal health insurance coverage and inadequate access to essential drugs, which may lead to self-medication, misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and concurrent use of several medications.
To overcome this situation diligent monitoring is required as irrational use of medicines is a major global health challenge and thus requires holistic strategies to ensure the rational use of drugs.
Distinguished experts, namely Mr Mohammad Mozammel Hossain, director, DGDA; Dr Md Akter Hossain, deputy director and president, National PV Center, DGDA; Dr Raihan Rabbani, senior consultant, ICU, Square Hospitals; Dr Nazimul Islam, deputy director, Division of Hospital Services Birdem; and Dr Mohammad Afroz Jalil, country director, Roche Bangladesh Limited, among others, were present.