Assessment of drug rationality by World Health Organization/International Network of Rational Use of Drugs indicators in the department of ophthalmology - A descriptive study in North India

Background: Pertinent use of drug is seen to be one of crucial parameter for maintaining standard medical health care in society leading to better life expectancy. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the drug rationality by World Health Organization (WHO)/International Network of Rational Use of Drug (INRUD) indicators in the Department of Ophthalmology at Medical College level in North India. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional and observational study was conducted in eye and pharmacology department from May 2018 to August 2018. A total of 612 prescriptions were evaluated. The demographic details of participants and the drug prescription analysis were calculated. WHO/INRUD Drug Prescribing Indicators were used for comparison of data with the help of Index values. Results: Prescribing indicators non-polypharmacy index (1.19) and injection safety index (6.89) were within the range of the optimal value but generic name index, rational antibiotic index, and essential drugs list (EDL) index showed deviation. Only dispensing time index (0.27) was not up to the mark among patients care indicators. Every doctor had essential medicines list whereas 86% key medicines were available. The most common disease diagnosed was refractive error in 35.13% patients followed by allergic conjunctivitis (17.97%). Most commonly prescribed drug dosage form was eye drops 70.42%, followed by ointment/gel 19.98%, tablets/capsules 8.15%, and injections 1.45%. The maximum prescriptions (33.85%) had 3 drugs and total numbers of drugs were 1031. No drug was prescribed for 165 (26.96%) patients. Conclusions: The deviation of some observed values of WHO/INRUD indicators draw attention to the health care team for better understanding, planning, and making robust strategies toward rational prescribing. A positive attitude should be inculcated in the ophthalmologist for prescribing non-proprietary drugs preferentially from EDL.