A Comparative Study of International Strategies for Management of Medicine Use Considering Needs and Challenges of the Afghan Health System
Key words: Antimicrobial Resistance, Health Policy, Health System, Medicine Use Management, Public Education, Pharmaceutical Regulation, Rational Medicine Use
Ahmadullah Khalili
Abstract
In Afghanistan, the use of medicines has extended beyond medical necessity and has become a major social and managerial challenge within the healthcare system. The absence of a coherent pharmaceutical policy, weak regulatory oversight, and limited public awareness regarding appropriate Medicine use have contributed to the misuse of resources and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. This study addresses the fundamental question of which global approaches and experiences in pharmaceutical management can be adapted to Afghanistan’s context to improve the efficiency of its healthcare system. Using an analytical-comparative methodology, the study examines pharmaceutical policies, regulatory structures, and practical strategies in both developed health systems and countries with limited resources. The findings reveal that systems that coordinated three key elements effective governmental policy, continuous public education, and consistent oversight along the pharmaceutical supply chain achieved better outcomes in reducing irrational Medicine use. In contrast, countries that implemented these components in a fragmented or temporary manner continue to face challenges similar to Afghanistan. Based on this analysis, the study proposes a three-stage contextual framework which, grounded in internal capacities, can promote rational Medicine use, mitigate Medicine resistance, and enhance public trust in Afghanistan’s healthcare system.
