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Pharmaceuticals and health policy: an Indian example
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1988
Summary
In less developed countries, equating more allopathic medicines with better health negatively impacts overall well-being. This belief influences pharmaceutical policies and healthcare, despite detrimental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmaceutical Policy
- Health Economics
Background:
- Allopathic medicine holds significant influence in less developed countries.
- The pharmaceutical industry and professional groups gain status through allopathic medicine's legitimization.
- Healthcare patterns are shaped, with some aspects supported and others neglected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of allopathic medicine production and consumption in less developed countries.
- To examine the societal perception of pharmaceuticals as solutions to health problems.
- To investigate the negative health consequences of equating drug prescription with medical practice.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of societal beliefs and their influence on policy.
- Case study focusing on India's pharmaceutical landscape and healthcare development.
- Examination of government policies related to the pharmaceutical industry and health services.
Main Results:
- A dominant assumption exists where 'more drugs' are equated with 'a better situation'.
- This perception influences government policy and health service development in countries like India.
- The equation of drug prescription with medical practice has adverse effects on public health.
Conclusions:
- The widespread belief in allopathic medicine as the primary solution requires critical re-evaluation.
- Policies and healthcare systems should move beyond a drug-centric approach.
- Addressing the negative health effects necessitates a shift in understanding and practice regarding pharmaceutical use.