Indian Hospital Pharmacists Association (IHPA) has demanded the publication of Indian National Formulary on the lines of British National Formulary to overcome the menace of irrational drug therapy. It wanted the responsibility of the publication of the formulary to be given to the autonomous Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission that is in the making. In a recommendation to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the association noted that the use of irrational drug therapy has become a major health hazard for the nation.
IHPA has recommended the setting up of Department of Pharmacy Services in parity with other departments in hospitals to upgrade the pharmacy services in terms of compounding, dispensing, storage, drug information, drugs counseling and patient care. The association is of the opinion that a professional approach in pharmacy services can eliminate the chances of spurious drug penetration into hospital pharmacies. The professional pharmacist should have an obligation to contribute to education of patients regarding adverse drug reactions, drug interactions etc. "He should also provide drug related information by verbal consultations, written and printed material as well as by using audio-visual aids. Use of pictograms will help the patients remember the instructions for a longer time," felt the association.
The IHPA wanted the Union Health Ministry to consider its suggestions and ensure that the patients are provided with standard drugs and prevent any chance of the entry of sub-standard and spurious drugs into the hospitals.
The association is also lobbying for the announcement of minimum standards for hospital pharmacy in teaching hospitals and also laying down medical prescription norms by Medical Council of India.