How rational are doctor's prescriptions?
According to the WHO half of all prescriptions are irrational. In India a study finds,
- Pathological prescribing has overtaken rational prescribing
- Prescriptions do not reflect clinical condition of patients
- Too many drugs are prescribed without clear instruction to patients
- In 60% of prescriptions antibiotics are prescribed without valid indication
- Antibiotics are prescribed for viral diseases
- Physicians are not trained in rational prescribing of antibiotics
- 58% of prescriptions contain vitamins just with an eye to commissions
- Steroids irrationally given in 75% of prescriptions
- In case of stroke patients 48% of prescriptions had useless or expensive neuroprotective drugs
- Irrational use of oral contraceptives and morning after pills increasing incidence of breast cancers in women
- 100% rise in surgical procedures observed in private hospitals
- 90% of continuing medical education is by pharma companies
- 87% of physicians who author clinical practice guidelines are under pharma influence
- Irrational prescriptions lead to adverse effects, drug interactions and emergence of drug resistance
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