Explain 7 points on Link between National health policy and National medicine policy?

1. Alignment of goals: National health policy and national medicine policy are closely linked as they both aim to improve the overall health and well-being of the population. The national health policy sets the broader goals and objectives for the healthcare system, while the national medicine policy focuses specifically on the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of medicines.

2. Access to essential medicines: National medicine policy plays a crucial role in ensuring that essential medicines are available and accessible to all individuals. It outlines strategies to promote equitable access to medicines, especially for vulnerable populations, by addressing issues such as pricing, procurement, distribution, and rational use.

3. Quality assurance: National medicine policy is responsible for establishing and enforcing quality standards for medicines. It ensures that all medicines available in the country meet the required safety, efficacy, and quality standards. This is essential for protecting public health and preventing the circulation of substandard or counterfeit medicines.

4. Rational use of medicines: National medicine policy promotes the rational use of medicines, which involves prescribing, dispensing, and using medications appropriately and cost-effectively. It aims to minimize unnecessary use, overuse, and misuse of medicines, thereby reducing healthcare costs and the risk of adverse drug reactions.

5. Research and development: National medicine policy often includes provisions to support research and development in the pharmaceutical sector. It encourages the development of innovative medicines, fosters collaboration between academia and industry, and promotes the use of evidence-based medicine to inform policy decisions.

6. Health technology assessment: National medicine policy incorporates health technology assessment (HTA) to evaluate the value and cost-effectiveness of new medicines and medical technologies. HTA helps policymakers make informed decisions about which medicines should be included in the national formulary, taking into account their clinical benefits, safety, and cost implications.

7. International cooperation: National medicine policy is influenced by international agreements and collaborations. Countries often align their policies with global initiatives, such as the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List or the World Trade Organization's Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. International cooperation is crucial for addressing global health challenges, ensuring access to affordable medicines, and harmonizing regulatory frameworks.