Title of article
Drug prescription habits in public and private health facilities in 2 provinces in South Africa
Author/Authors
Mohlala, G. Human Sciences Research Council - Health Systems Development Unit, South Africa , Peltzer, K. Human Sciences Research Council - Health Systems Development Unit, South Africa , Peltzer, K. University of the Free State, South Africa , Phaswana-Mafuya, N. Human Sciences Research Council - Health Systems Development Unit, South Africa , Phaswana-Mafuya, N. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa , Ramlagan, S. Human Sciences Research Council - Health Systems Development Unit, South Africa
From page
324
To page
328
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore drug prescription habits using WHO standard indicators in 15 public hospitals and 36 private surgeries in 2 provinces in South Africa. A high mean number of drugs were prescribed per patient (3.2 versus 2.8) in public hospitals and by general practitioners (GPs) respectively and generic prescribing rates were low (45.2% versus 24.5%). The rates of prescribing in public hospitals and by GPs were 8.3% versus 23.3% for injections, 68.1% versus 31.9% for antibiotics and 92.6% versus 68.5% for drugs from the essential drugs list. Drug prescribing in both sectors needs to be regulated, especially the use of antibiotics, essential drugs and generic prescribing.
Journal title
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
Journal title
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
Record number
2641469
Link To Document