Good Dispensing manual new 2

Good dispensing of drugs and medical supplies is an important component of rational drug therapy in order to maximize the benefit and minimize the risk to recipients. However, the prevailing dispensing practices in Ethiopia are below the standard in most cases. It is therefore, of utmost importance to prepare this manual that would aid individuals involved in dispensing and improve the quality of their services. The manual may also be useful for other health care professionals and training institutions. For the preparation of this manual, relevant literature such as text books, health journals, drug bulletins, unpublished studies, legislations & regulations as well as an expertise of pharmacy professionals were used. The manual contains eight main parts. Part one provides an introduction highlighting aspects of good dispensing, regulations for promoting good dispensing, and the situation of dispensing practices in Ethiopia. Objectives for preparing the manual and a brief methodology section are also included in this part. Part two describes the principles of good dispensing followed by part three that deals with some aspects of the dispensing environment and stock management. Part four briefly describes persons authorized for dispensing (dispenser). Part five deals with good dispensing processes. Details of packaging and labeling of drugs are presented in part six. Part seven describes quality assurance of the dispensing practice and dispensed drugs. Part eight deals with drug information. Readers are encouraged to refer the references mentioned in annex section for further reading. It is hoped that the manual would enhance the quality of service and inspire confidence to maintain the good image of the pharmacy profession in the eyes of the society.