Self Medication

The WSMI (World Self Medication Industry) defines self-medication as “the treatment of common health problems with medicines especially designed and labelled for use without medical supervision and approved as safe and effective for such use.”

Medicines for self-medication are often called 'non-prescription' or 'over the counter' (OTC) and are available without a doctor's prescription through pharmacies. In many countries, OTC products are also available in supermarkets and other outlets. Medicines that require a doctor's prescription are called prescription products (Rx products).

Around the globe, the number of people opting for self medication is increasing by the day. Reasons vary from being too busy to make a doctor’s appointment, assuming different reasons for any given symptom, not willing to spend time at a doctor’s clinic or more importantly, not having enough financial resources to be able to afford professional health care.

Responsible self medication can do a world of good to many people’s lives. It can:
• Help to prevent and treat symptoms and ailments that do not necessarily call for a doctor such as common cold, fever etc.,
• Reduce the pressure on medical services where health care personnel are insufficient. This is especially important in the increasing demographic structure of the world.
• Most importantly, it can increase the availability of health care to populations living in rural or remote areas.

The basic formative step in formulating a drug policy that involves responsible usage of self medication by the general public is to show a clear delineation between OTC and prescription products. This also encourages conscientious use of medicines, in general, by even the illiterate masses.