Of the top 30 items in the expenditure list of public health facilities in Makana Health Sub-District, 15 are used to treat lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.These top 30 items account for almost 20% of the drug expenditure in this district.
Of the top 30 items in the expenditure list of public health facilities in Makana Health Sub-District, 15 are used to treat lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.These top 30 items account for almost 20% of the drug expenditure in this district.
Drug expenditure in the public health system is increasing at an alarming rate and is the second highest cost driver, the first being the salary bill. This is simply an unsustainable situation.
Although genetics at times plays a role in diabetes, the main reason people have diabetes is because they follow an unhealthy lifestyle, which includes poor eating habits, lack of exercise/physical activity, smoking and excessive drinking.
Poor adherence to a medication regime also impacts on drug expenditure. This often results uncontrolled diabetes in patients, with the result that the prescriber may have to add another drug to ensure effective treatment. That further increases drug expenditure.
Uncontrolled diabetic patients also begin to present with other complications, such as eye and kidney problems. These complications, may also need further treatment with medication.
The patient eventually ends up having to take an enormous number of medicines, resulting in poor adherence, thereby further increasing drug expenditure.
Prevention, through adopting a healthy lifestyle, is the key in trying to reduce drug expenditure and, more important, the general health of the population.
* Mr Mohamed Docrat is the Sub-District Pharmacist, Department of Health, Makana Local Services Area
