KUANTAN, Malaysia: More than half of the RM2.2 billion ($915 million) worth of medicine prescribed by government doctors and pharmacists get thrown away every year.
This shocking revelation was made yesterday by International Islamic University (IIU) deputy rector (academic and research) Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Tahir Azhar.
He said there was too much wastage of medicine by patients.
"Many patients do not follow the prescription or throw away the medicine when they assume that they have recovered."
He said this money could be saved if there was a better pharmaceutical care service.
He was speaking at the Pharmaceutical Care Workshop organised by the university at its branch campus here. It was opened by Health Ministry Pharmaceutical Services deputy director Zawiyah Mat Johor.
Dr Tahir said the role of community pharmacists was important as they could educate patients on the importance of the medicine prescribed to them.
"Pharmacists can do follow-up and advise patients on the medicine."
Dr Tahir said IIU was cooperating with the Health Ministry to find the best system of community phamarceutical care.
"We are looking at the systems being practised in developed countries, particularly in Australia."
Professor Patrick Ball of Charles Stuart University, Australia, said many patients did not take their medicine once they were free of the active symptoms.
He said some people, for example diabetes patients, needed to continue with their medication even if they did not show any symptoms.
He urged health professionals, particularly doctors and pharmacists, to work together.
IIU school of pharmacy dean Professor Datuk Dr Tariq Abdul Razak said the university's pharmacy students were being groomed to deal with the public.
"This is part of our preparation for community pharmaceutical services as the students have to serve the government for a few years after they graduate."
