Unsafe use of medicine a key global problem

It is estimated that more than half of all medication consumed is prescribed, dispensed or sold inappropriately. It is also estimated that half of all patients fail to take medication correctly (World Health Organisation. Promoting rational use of medicines: core components. WHO Policy Perspectives on Medicines No. 5 www.who.int/medicines).

Treatment with medication is one of the most cost effective medical interventions known, and takes up a large proportion of the total world health budget. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that such a precious resource is being used in an inappropriate way.