The Results of the Implementation of the Drug Cost Control Policy of Lamphun Hospital

Abstract

Drug costs are expected to continue to rise. To monitor and control drug costs to ensure cost-effectiveness. In fiscal year 2023, Lamphun Hospital has a policy to control drug expenses, covering price limits and rational drug use. This retrospective descriptive research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug cost control policy implemented at Lamphun Hospital, comparing the value of drug use in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Data were collected for both Essential Drugs (ED) and Non Essential Drugs (NED). Data sources include patient medical records, pharmaceutical administration reports, and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee operations reports. The research tools used were drug data recording forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage and mean.
The study results found that after the implementation of the price restriction policy, the overall value of drug use increased 8,736,429.12 baht (+4.37%) While the overall rational drug use policy can reduce the drug use cost by 3,445,650.57 baht. (-6.57%). By the measure requiring the use/purchase of generic drugs, the value of drug orders decreased the most, amounting to 2,131,660.52 baht (-19.10%). Next is measures to coordinate with doctors in prescribing medicines at 2,196,402.96 baht (- 19.03%). Measures to regulate the use of antibiotics 506,578.83 baht (- 5.02%) and measures for using drugs according to the conditions of the National List of Essential drug 95,180.63 baht (- 2.70%) respectively. While the measure requires prescription/dispensary use in certain clinics and the prescription of drugs under conditions outside the national list of drugs, the value of drug prescriptions increased by 1,404,840.16 baht (+ 8.86%) and 79,332.21 baht (+ 2.65%) respectively. Conclusion; the Implementing policies on rational drug use can help reduce medication costs.