The Cuban experience in focusing pharmaceuticals policy to health population needs: initial results of the National Pharmacoepidemiology Network (1996-2001).

In 1996, a National Pharmacoepidemiology Network was set up in Cuba in order to disseminate problem-oriented information and develop continuing education activities on drug therapy, to perform research on drug utilisation and to promote interventions to improve drug use. It is coordinated by the Centre for the Development of Pharmacoepidemiology, which is also in charge of regulatory and administrative duties and collaborates with the National Pharmaceutical Industry. By 2001, a number of educational and information initiatives had been undertaken, particularly in primary health care, which resulted in improvement of indicators of drug use. Cuba keeps good health standards in spite of a short health budget.