ABSTRACT
For formulation of realistic drug policies it is necessary to have accurate information on the prevalence of treatable diseases and the drugs available for providing health care, the technical and administrative personnel available to implement the policies, and the extent of financial resources. The implementation of an essential drug policy would discourage the use of ineffective drugs and waste of money on them. One of the most important aspects of State regulation is the registration and licensing of drugs. Regular surveillance of utilisation patterns of the essential drugs in a country will help to determine the extent of inappropriate, excessive or insufficient utilisation of drugs. Accurate and objective information on drugs must be available to help those prescribing drugs to make proper decisions in selecting the drugs and to learn how to use them to the best effect. Since pharmaceuticals are among the most needed products for a country, there must be an efficient procurement system in each country.
