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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3117.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 10:50 AM

Abstract #106631

Estimating the cost savings and rational use effects of implementing an essential drug list in West Bank, Palestine

Samer Hamidi1, M. Mahmud Khan, PhD2, Doreen Babo2, Richard Culbertson, PhD2, Janet Rice, PhD3, and Mustafa (Mike) Younis, DrPH4. (1) Tulane University, 6440 S claiborne avenue, Apt# 523, New Orleans, LA 70125, 504-865-7106, shamidi@msn.com, (2) Health Systems Management, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, #1900, New Orleans, LA 70112, (3) Tulane University SPHTM, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, (4) Health Care Administration, Jackson State University, 350 West Woodrow Wilson Drive, The Medical Mall, Jackson, MS 39213

Because of the increasing annual cost of drugs to the individual and society attributed to over prescription and irrational use of drugs, the Palestinian Ministry of Health (PMOH) introduced an essential drug list (EDL) to contain the costs and improve the rational drug use within the governmental health sector. This research examined the effects of the essential drug list program on rational drug use and the cost savings. Pooled cross-sectional time-series data used to evaluate the effect of EDL on the governmental drug expenditures. A set of indicators developed by WHO where used to measure drug utilization and rational use. A random sample of 3570 prescriptions for each health center divided equally on 7 years for all main 17 governmental health centers, and drug utilization quantities were collected. The drug expenditures variable was a function of real GDP per capita, EDL, drug utilization per capita, while the rational drug use variable was a function of drug availability in health centers and EDL. The essential drug list was very effective in improving the rational drug use, and reducing the drug expenditures. With the increasing proportion of the population aged over 65 or less than 5 years, the PMOH should locate more resources for pharmaceutical budget in the next coming years,otherwise, the availability of drugs will be reduced dramatically and many people will be forced to use the expensive private sector or go without treatment which will adversely affects the health of the population.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

    Keywords: Pharmacists, Drug Use Review

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    Improving Use and Distribution of Pharmaceuticals

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA