[indices] RFI: Drug Information Center in Bangladesh

[Tariqul]

Drug Information Center in Bangladesh
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Dear Friend,

I am Tariq from "Health Action Forum" working for the promotion of rational use of drugs and concept of essential drugs in Bangladesh. We are seven members working voluntarily. Could you please help us to set up a "Drug Information Center in Bangladesh" which is very necessary to provide authentic information regarding drug and issues related to it to policy makers, regulatory bodies, health professionals and to the consumers? The main target is to empower the related stakeholders to review the drug and it's related issues, to uphold the concept of essential drugs and it's rational use. As you know, Bangladesh is one of the pioneers in the formulation of the National Drug Policy in 1982. So, an information center might have a great role, also to monitor the situation, document the changes, helping fellow country people to achieve good health and also create an opportunity to share the vast experience regarding issues such as policy to practice, essential drugs and politics, behavior of the pharmaceutical industries, role of the regulatory bodies and the Government and international partners as well.

I believe it would be a great help for us, if you have any scope of any assistance for us. Thanks.

Regards.

Dr. Tariqul Islam.
Treasurer
Health Action Forum


Note from moderator (Carolyn Rochat): While it would be helpful for Dr Islam to receive input from this forum, it may be an idea to put in place a longer term solution for those people who require assistance in setting up a drug information centre.  The participants of this forum are ideally situated to draw up a template/standard for provision of drug information.  While some of these already exist e.g. UKMI etc., an INDICES one that is easy to apply and doesn't require a lot of resources (both in terms of money and other types e.g. books, computers etc) will be very valuable.  
Perhaps those of you who are interested in collaborating on such a project could post your interest and perhaps particular area of expertise to the list.

I also believe that the list could be more active in supporting those people who are running drug information centres on their own.  This is often a difficult and lonely task. There is a wealth of experience out there that hasn't been tapped!