Computerized calculation of essential drug requirements

The implementation of an effective essential drug programme, although accepted by most WHO member states is still meeting serious problems. Apart from politics the reasons for this slow implementation should be sought in organizational difficulties. A methodology for the calculation of national drug requirements has been developed for Gabon based on standard treatments and estimated number of cases per disease (also known as the demand-morbidity method). Allocation of these drugs to the Gabonese health institutions is calculated based on data from the existing health information system such as days of hospitalization and number of patient visits. A rudimentary form of the demand-morbidity method has been used manually in the past but was extremely cumbersome. Modern microcomputers and standard software have now improved speed and flexibility of the method and have therefore made its implementation feasible even in developing countries. The advantages of the method are the improved availability of essential drugs at all levels of the health system and a decrease of the required drug budget (for Gabon it was calculated that a saving of 45% could be obtained). The method makes possible interaction between health planners and peripheral staff unimaginable a few years ago.