THE first Palestinian conference on rational use of drugs brought together an enthusiastic group of health workers, nurses, pharmacists and doctors from throughout the health sector. Speakers from international and local NGOs, Palestinian universities, and physicians’ and pharmacists’ associations helped to raise awareness of rational use issues. Discussions ranged from the impact of inappropriate drug use to standard treatment guidelines, essential drugs policy, drug information, continuing education for pharmacists, quality assurance and drug donations. The event is seen as an important step in moves to design a health policy that meets the needs of all Palestinians.

Held at Beir Zeit University in October 1998, the conference was organized by the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees with the support of the French Government and the United Nations Development Programme.

For further information, contact: Nadine Kamal, Head Pharmacist, Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, P.O.Box 51483, Jerusalem. Tel: + 972 2 5834 021, fax: + 972 2 5830 679, e-mail: NadineKamal@hotmail.com