The National Health Commission (NHC) of China, in collaboration with four other bureaus, has released the “Implementation Plan for Saving Drug Resources and Curbing Drug Waste,” an initiative aimed at streamlining measures across drug production, clinical medication, distribution, public education, waste management, and organizational enforcement.
Promoting Prudent Drug Packaging and Usage
The plan advocates for appropriate drug packaging to minimize waste, guiding companies to determine packaging sizes based on clinical needs and the duration of treatment. It also aims to strengthen clinical medication management, The plan prohibits prescribing without medical indication and issuing commissions under the guidance of medical practice at a 7-day supply under normal circumstances, and a 3-day supply for emergencies, extendable to 12 weeks for chronic conditions Pharmacists are to accurately dispense medication as prescribed and provide drug disassembly and dispensing services to reduce waste and improve patient convenience.
Regulating Pharmaceutical Retail and Enhancing Public Awareness
The initiative seeks to standardize the sales practices of pharmaceutical retail enterprises, prohibiting the sale of prescription drugs as gifts and ensuring drugs are sold only through proper prescriptions without unauthorized substitutions. Retailers are also tasked with promoting drug safety and leveraging pharmacists’ expertise in prescription review, consultation, and adverse reaction reporting.
Public Education and Drug Waste Management
The plan emphasizes the importance of public education and strict regulation of drug advertising to prevent wasteful practices such as hoarding and indiscriminate medication use. It also calls for the standardization of discarded drug collection and destruction to prevent the reentry of expired or waste drugs into the market.
Organizational Enforcement and Coordination
The NHC is committed to strengthening organizational efforts to curb drug waste, coordinating with relevant departments to refine mechanisms and enhance regulatory oversight. The bureau will take measures to prevent medical institutions from issuing excessive prescriptions and retail pharmacies from illegal drug promotion.- Flcube.com
