Drug utilization in Panama.

The availability and use of therapeutic agents in Panama is critically reviewed. Of the 3800 drug products on the market, 50% are vitamins, tonics and fixed ratio combination products. Many drugs are of unproven efficacy and safety, not marketed in more developed countries. Hospital and outpatient studies have documented inappropriate prescribing habits. To improve drug utilization, regulatory and educational strategies have been implemented in the Panama Social Security Institute. Drugs of doubtful or no value and unnecessary duplications have been withdrawn from its therapeutic formulatory. Outreach services provided by the Panama Social Security Institute include the distribution of a drug bulletin, workshops, seminars and person to person drug information (counterdetailing) to health personnel. Drug information to patients is also included in the overall strategy to promote the rational use of drugs. Nevertheless, much work is still needed to formulate and implement an essential drugs and health policy in Panama.