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Q. What do other organisations say about self-medication?
Many healthcare organizations have made important statements on the benefits and risks of self-medication, singly or jointly with WSMI. Some selected illustrations only are given here:
WHO: "It has become widely accepted that self-medication has an important place in the healthcare system. Recognition of the responsibility of individuals for their own health and awareness that professional care for minor ailments is often unnecessary has contributed to this view. Improvements in people's general knowledge, level of education and socioeconomic status in many countries form a reasonable basis for successful self-medication." (Guidelines for the Regulatory Assessment of Medicinal Products for use in Self-Medication. 2000)
FIP: "Nowadays people are keen to accept more personal responsibility for their health status and to obtain as much sound information as possible in order to help them make appropriate decisions in health care…Pharmacists and the manufacturers of nonprescription medicines share the common goals of providing high quality service to the public and encouraging the responsible use of medicines." (Joint Statement by The International Pharmaceutical Federation and the World Self-Medication Industry, 1999)
ICN: "Self-medication is a key component of self-care that is particularly significant in an era of increasing chronic illness and well-informed health care consumers. Optimising responsible self-medication is an important and underused resource for health and provides an opportunity for collaboration and consultation among consumers, nurses, pharmacists and physicians." (Joint Statement by the International Council of Nurses and the World Self-Medication Industry, 2003)
Q. What is self-care and how does it differ from self-medication?
Self-care is a lifelong habit and culture. It is the action individuals take for themselves and their families to stay healthy and manage minor and chronic conditions, based on their knowledge and the information available, working in collaboration with healthcare professionals where necessary. Self-care therefore includes many elements other than self-medication, such as attention to nutrition, physical exercise and mental wellbeing, and the avoidance of risk factors.
In reality, self-care is the foundation in the pyramid of healthcare. If an average healthy person visits a doctor say 9 times in a year, with a total of 1.5 hours of discussion, the remaining 8758.5 hours of the year are self-care…
Q. So what's so new about self-medication and self-care?
In one sense, nothing! Historically (before the 19th Century) self-care and self-medication at a family or community level was the norm. The 19th Century saw the welcome development of scientific rationalism and medical knowledge and the development of the healthcare professions. Through into the next century public health and social medicine systems started to develop. But by 1950, people were consulting doctors not only for serious illnesses, but also for minor complaints. A professional view also began to form that in the light of medicine's spectacular advances, self-care was unnecessary, even undesirable.
Today the pendulum is swinging back towards a recognition of the right and responsibility of people to play a greater part in their own healthcare. Consumers and patients, and healthcare professionals are gradually accepting the concept that people must take charge of their own health.
In addition, the basis for good health is better understood than ever, and more effective self-medication products are available than ever before to help people stay well and treat self-treatable conditions.
Q. What is WSMI and what does it do?
WSMI is a network of independent country associations and companies (see the 'Useful Links' section for details) dedicated to conveying the social and economic value of responsible self-medication to health professionals, health authorities, consumers and others. WSMI has a coordinating office and secretariat based in Ferney-Voltaire France, just across the border from Geneva. WSMI was established in 1970 and for over 30 years has pursued the explicit vision:
"To create and maintain an international environment, intended to improve the opportunities for people to manage their own health through the responsible use of safe and effective self-care products."
Details of WSMI's structure, vision, mission and activities are described in the 'About WSMI' section.
Q. Can anyone join WSMI?
No. Membership of WSMI is only available to country Trade Associations representing the interests of the self-medication industry, and to Companies researching and manufacturing products for self-medication. WSMI operates under an explicit set of 'Articles of Association' and members are required to agree to a set of conditions and standards.
However WSMI does work with other healthcare organisations in support of mutual objectives of improving healthcare around the world (see 'Working with others'). If you or your organisation is seeking collaboration or support, and shares our objectives, please contact us on admin@wsmi.org.
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