Need for Drug Quality Control and Public Awareness in Khost Province of Afghanistan
Keywords: Counterfeit Medicines, Drug Quality, Khost Province, Public Awareness, Pharmacy Supervision
Asif Khan Talash
Abstract
This study investigates the need for drug quality control and public awareness in Khost Province, Afghanistan. The research aims to assess the quality of medicines available in local pharmacies, examine the prevalence of counterfeit or substandard drugs, evaluate public knowledge on safe medicine usage, and identify gaps in professional supervision. A survey method was employed, gathering data from 200 participants, and the results were analyzed using Excel. The findings reveal significant concerns regarding medicine quality, with 60% of participants expressing apprehension, while 77.5% reported the common presence of counterfeit medicines. Approximately 50% of respondents admitted obtaining medicines from non-professional or unlicensed sources, and only 30% had attended awareness programs on medicine safety. The study also highlights the lack of trained pharmacists in local pharmacies and a strong community demand (85%) for government oversight and stricter regulation. The analysis indicates that medicine quality issues, limited public awareness, the prevalence of counterfeit medicines, and inadequate professional supervision are interrelated challenges. Addressing these requires regulatory enforcement, public education campaigns, and the presence of trained professionals in pharmacies to ensure safe and effective medicine use. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public to improve pharmaceutical practices in Khost Province.
