"Study and Enlightenment on""Separation of Prescribing and Dispensing""in China Based on International Experiences" / 中国药房

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for further promoting the implementation ofseparation of prescribing and dis-pensingpolicy which fit China's national conditions. METHODS:Based on literature review,informant interview,and filed in-vestigation the development ofseparation of prescribing and dispensingwere compared between typical eastern and western coun-tries. Constraints ofseparation of prescribing and dispensingin China were explored,international successful experiences were summarized to inspire appropriate implementation of this policy in China. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:There are four con-straints in the implementation ofseparation of prescribing and dispensingin China. Firstly,the legal foundation is yet established for the professional development of pharmacists. Secondly,the medicine pricing and hospital financing systems are unreasonable. Thirdly,patients'ownership of prescriptions and right of dispensing options are monopolized by hospitals. Fourthly,safety of medi-cines use is yet ensured.Separation of prescribing and dispensingshould follow the rules of social and economic development and should be adjusted to adapt local conditions.Separation of prescribing and dispensingpolicy itself may not help to achieve the objectives of cost containment and rational use of medicines. To achieve the intended objectives,legislation of Pharmacist Law should also be accelerated to clearly define the role of pharmacist and guide the behavior of prescribers with economic levers.