Public Has Right To Know About Medicines

PSM News /

Patients have the right to receive vital information about medicines in a palatable language and ensuring this aspect will make healthcare more effective.

 

The IPA has urged the government to amend its draft Charter of Patients Rights to include what it calls the "right to know about medicines."

 

The draft charter, which was released last month by the Union ministry of health and family welfare, contains 17 different medical facets, including the right to emergency care, second opinion, the right to non-discrimination, safety and quality care and the right to be heard and seek redressal. The ministry proposes to implement the charter through state governments to provide effective healthcare to citizens by clinical establishments.

 

Manjiri Gharat, vice president of IPA, said the draft charter has, however, missed the patients' right to know about medicines. "Medicines are the most important component of healthcare but they are double-edged weapons. They can save life, but may also harm or become ineffective even if there are quality products. Inappropriate use causes relapse of illnesses, antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions and increased cost,” she said.

 

The body of pharmaceutical professionals has suggested that patients have the right to receive information on consumer medicine in a friendly language. The information should therefore be in the form of patient package insert (PPI) or in any other format that needs to be provided along with prescription medicines by the manufacturer after approval of the drug regulator.

 

In most developed countries, PPI is given along with the prescription drugs and it contains all details about a medicine's use and storage. Such PPIs can be introduced in India also.

 

Over-the-counter medicines should have these details on the label or carry a PPI and the doctor or the pharmacist should verbally convey important information about the medicines to the patient or his or her caregiver.

 

If a patient is aware of all information about his or her medicines, the chances of adherence to treatment will increase and will ultimately lead to improved quality of life.