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Government and health professional outlooks
Many national and international organizations have looked at
how best to establish and structure national drug policies within
their healthcare systems. As a starting point, one fundamental
to keep in mind was articulated at an International Conference
on Primary Health Care, held in Alma-Ata in 1978:
"People have the right and duty to participate individually
and collectively in the planning and implementation of their health
care."
In line with a philosophy of individual participation and empowerment,
the World Health Organization has stated that responsible self-medication
can:
- Help prevent and treat symptoms and ailments that do not require
medical consultation;
- Reduce the increasing pressure on medical services for the
relief of minor ailments, especially when financial and human
resources are limited;
- Increase the availability of health care to populations living
in rural or remote areas where access to medical advice may
be difficult; and
- Enable patients to control their own chronic conditions.
As the most accessible form of health care, self-medication fills
a series of valuable and sometimes crucial functions for individuals
and healthcare systems. That healthcare systems as well as individuals
benefit from self-medication emphasizes the need for clear policies
by national governments. Those policies should recognize the positive
role played by products specifically intended for self-medication
and should meet their citizens' desires to take an active role
in their health. As a US Commissioner of Food and Drugs noted:
"The Food and Drug Administration accepts the concept
of self-medication. The consumer demands it; the law provides
for it; and it is in fact a vital part of our nation's health
care system."
In Europe, the European Parliament stated that it:
"Considers that responsible self-medication should be
further promoted, which will foster the growing desire of the
European Union's citizens to take responsibility for their own
health and also help reduce health expenditure. In recent years,
responsible self-medication has been identified as an important
element in long term health policy by the institutions of the
European Community."
Health professional organizations have also drawn attention to
the importance of self-medication. The World Medical Association,
for example, published a statement on self-medication in 2002,
drawing attention to some of the themes in this publication -
the importance of a clear prescription-nonprescription distinction
and the role and importance of labeling for safe and effective
use, as well as guidance for physicians and their patients regarding
responsible self-medication. The International Pharmaceutical
Federation adopted a joint statement on self-medication with WSMI
to highlight the common goals of our two groups: to provide high
quality service to the public and to encourage the responsible
use of medicines. The International Council of Nurses also adopted
a joint statement on self-medication with WSMI to promote the
responsible use of medicines.
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