A national drug policy is a comprehensive framework in which each component plays an important role in achieving one or more of the general objectives of the policy (access, quality and rational use). The policy should balance the various goals and objectives, creating a complete and consistent entity. For example, access to essential medicines can only be achieved through rational selection, affordable prices, sustainable financing and reliable health and supply systems. Each of the four components of the “access frame-work” is essential but not sufficient in itself to ensure access. Similarly, rational use of medicines depends on many factors, such as rational selection, regulatory measures, educational strategies and financial incentives. Table 1 lists the key components of a national drug policy. It shows how they relate to the three main objectives of the policy and that most components cannot be linked to one objective only.

Table 1 Components of a national drug policy, linked to key policy objectives

X = direct link; (X) = indirect link