Progress and problems in the prescribing/dispensing split and "divided package sales" by wholesalers

Given the rapid progress of the prescribing/dispensing split, the ability of pharmacies to obtain and stock a small quantity of pharmaceuticals is seen as essential. Toho Yakuhin's experience in "divided package sales" (wholesalers open an original package supplied by the manufacturer and sell only a part of the contents) shows that the number of orders and sales amount, and the number of pharmacies ordering in sales have remarkably increased. One or two kinds of pharmaceuticals were ordered in 73% cases, and one or two units in about 50%. This implies that "divided package sales" are utilized to obtain rarely prescribed drugs. On the other hand, five or more kinds of pharmaceuticals were ordered in 10% of cases, and ten or more units in 17%. "Divided package sales" were more used for low-price drugs. These indicated that "divided package sales" seemed to be looked upon by pharmacies as a means of obtaining a small quantity of pharmaceuticals, and seemed to be used not only in an emergency but also routinely. There are several problems for wholesalers in operating "divided package sales", such as frequent delivery, delivery cost and information supply. Pharmacies should obtain a small quantity of pharmaceuticals by the routine delivery and should share the delivery cost. Pharmaceutical manufacturers' cooperation in printing necessary information on each immediate container will be useful. Though there could be alternative ways of obtaining a small quantity of pharmaceuticals, all of them have the matter of delivery. We believe "divided package sales" will contribute to this situation.