ISLAMABAD: A study by experts from the Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad, has found that patients in Pakistan are being prescribed significantly more medicines per prescription than the range recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The study found that an average of 4.2 medicines were prescribed per prescription in Pakistan, compared with the WHO benchmark of 1.6 to 1.8 medicines. The findings raise concerns about excessive prescribing, antibiotic use and the limited use of generic medicines.
High number of medicines prescribed
According to the study, the average number of medicines prescribed per prescription at a major hospital in Peshawar was particularly high at 10.56 medicines.
The research also found that only 25% of medicines in Pakistan were prescribed using generic names. According to WHO guidance cited in the study, medicines should be prescribed by their generic names.
Antibiotics were included in 45% of prescriptions in Pakistan, compared with a reported global range of 20% to 26.8%.
Concerns over antibiotics and injections
The study found that injections were prescribed in more than 27% of prescriptions, while only 72% of prescribed medicines were included in Pakistan’s National Essential Medicines List.
Professor Shehzad said unnecessary prescribing was being observed across the healthcare system, from primary healthcare centres to teaching hospitals.
He said some patients themselves request injections and antibiotics because they believe these treatments can help them recover more quickly.
Experts call for better prescribing practices
Shehzad Ali attributed the low use of generic medicines partly to pharmaceutical companies’ marketing practices.
He said prescribing guidelines are available but are not being followed consistently. He called for measures to reduce unnecessary medicines and antibiotic use and to promote more appropriate prescribing practices.
The findings also highlight concerns related to antimicrobial resistance, although the study’s reported figures alone do not establish the extent of resistance in Pakistan.