Investigation on the rational and safe use of drugs in the municipal community of Hue

ABSTRACT

A study on buying drug of consumers at 30 randomly selected public and private drug outlets in Hue City had been conducted from February 1997 to May 1997. Results showed 70.5% of consumers bought without prescription, in which 10% with at least one injection, 43.7% with antibiotics. 29.5% of consumers bought drugs with prescriptions, in which 55.0% with antibiotics, including 21.2% with at least two antibiotics. The average number and value of drug per prescription is 3.2 and about 4 USD, respectively. 36.1% drug are prescribed under generic names and 64.5% are in Essential drug list. Some recommendations had been cited.