1. National Medicine Policy
PHARMACEUTICALS

2. PRESENTATION OUTLINE What is it? History of National Drug Policy
Background
Lesotho’s NMP aim
What are its objectives?
Components of NMP
Overview of components
Actors involved
Characteristics of a NMP
Assessment questions

3. What is it?
It is a political commitment and a guide for action that shows how the GOV will ensure that efficacious and safe medicines of good quality are affordable, accessible and rationally used.
It is a well established endorsed framework based on partnerships (WHO).
Governments, commonwealth, states, territories (SADC) and actors work together to promote the objectives of the NMP

4. HISTORY OF NDPs
1985 Nairobi Conference of Experts on rational Use of Drugs
1987 Working group of Experts to draft guidelines for NDP’s
1988 Guidelines for NDP’s released
1995 Expert Committee on NDPs met report issued
2002 New Guidelines were published

5. BACKGROUND
Medicines play a critical role in protecting, maintaining and restoring people’s health
Access of medicines is a concern for all national governments
Poor availability is a major problem for LDCs
Changing patterns of morbidity and Trade Agreements impact on access to medicines.
Political values, economic and legislation situations impact on access as well.

6. Background conti……
These access problems have persisted despite the efforts by GOVs, development agencies and WHO to improve on access to essential medicines.
The reasons for failure to achieve universal coverage and rational use are complex and differ among Countries and involve a wide range of stakeholders

7. Lesotho’s NMP
Aim: To improve and sustain, within the available resources , the health of the population of Lesotho by treating, curing, reducing or preventing disease conditions through the use of safe, effective, good quality, affordable medicines in both public and private sector.
it aims to improve positive health outcomes for all Basotho through their access to and wise use of medicines

8. What are its objectives
To ensure availability of medicines that meet the 4 criterions; quality, safety efficacy and affordability
To control, supervise and evaluate the quality of medicines
To promote rational use of medicines
To promote local production of medicines
To be a basis for development of medicines legislation and its enforcement
To guide HR development, ensure their retention and proper deployment

9. Components of NMP
Legislation, regulation and guidelines(drugs of abuse Act 2008 and donation guidelines)
Selection of medicines (STGs, EML & national formulary)
Supply and distribution (NDSO)
Quality Assurance (QC Lab is lacking, GPP exist)
Rational Use of medicines (3-5 items per prescription & 1-2 antibiotics out of 54% of prescription)
Financing and Pricing (no policy on pricing, GOV spend over M50 million)
Local production (LPC 51% GOV)
Monitoring & Evaluation of NDP’s
Medicines information and Pharmacovigilance
Human Resources Development (NUL & NHTC challenge of absorption)
International and regional Cooperation (Exists)
Traditional and complimentary medicines
Research and development

10. OVERVIEW OF COMPONENTS
Each component has a crucial part in the overall policy!
Emphasizing one component at the expense of others, weakens the entire policy
Many different actors are involved. Some are outside MoH, some outside GOV, some outside country

11. ACTORS INVOLVED Doctors, specialists, public/private
Pharmacists retail and manufacturing
Local and international producers, importers
Consumers/Patients
Media
Regulators
Insurance Companies
ETC

12. CHARACTERISTICS OF NMP
Must fit within the framework of the MOH care system.
Goals should be consistent with broader health objectives
Health policy and the level of service are important determinants of medicines policy and define the range of choices and options.
Implementation of an effective medicines policy promotes confidence in and use of health services
Planners need to be aware and not experts in all areas

13. Assessment questions? Does Lesotho have a NMP?
Does it contain the objectives and strategies based on priority problems?
Do laws exist that specify the GOV’s responsibility in ensuring equitable access to essential medicines?
Does an implementation plan exist to put the policy into practice?
Is the policy monitored regularly?
Are legal mechanisms available to file complaints about lack of access?

14. So what?
IS ACCESS TO MEDICINES A ROLE OF INTERLLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW AND POLICY ONLY?
THANK YOU