Enhancing the choice and use of medicines : an overview of the Medicines Authority’s strategy to empower patients and consumers and support healthcare professionals

Abstract

Public health authorities regulate in the public interest to protect health, ensure patient access to safe medicines, stimulate innovation and encourage a competitive market.1 Pharmaceutical regulation supports various components of a national pharmaceutical policy, including research and development (through regulation of clinical trials and provision of scientific advice), authorisation of medicinal products, regulation of the supply chain (manufacturers, wholesale dealers and pharmacies), pharmacovigilance and the rational use of medicinal products (through information about medicinal products and the use of medicines). The tangible public health outcomes of these processes are access, availability and affordability of medicinal products which are of good quality, and safe and efficacious when used rationally.