Deranged distribution, perverse prescription, unprotected use: the irrationality of pharmaceuticals in the developing world

Abstract

The use of chemical pharmaceuticals as therapy is based on a rational–scientific model, but in practice drugs are distributed, prescribed and used in highly irrational ways. Vignettes are used to illustrate how cultural norms and the profit motive interact to drastically lessen the benefits the developing world receives from modern drugs. Trying to ameliorate the situation by relying on government regulation of drug producers, sellers, prescribers and users is unlikely to yield optimal results. Scenarios are presented to demonstrate how existing market and cultural forces can be harnessed to make drugs use more rational.