An Audit of Prescribing Practices in CGHS Dispensaries of Kolkata, India

Background: Improved method of examining drug prescribing in a health service are a necessary prerequisite for planning measures intended to bring about financial economics in drug use with the least possible impairment of the quality of medical care. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the prescribing pattern of General Duty Medical Officers (GDMO) of CGHS. Methodology: This health service research study, cross sectional in design was conducted over one year period in CGHS Dispensaries at Kolkata. A multistage sampling method was followed. Total number of respondents was 412. WHO/INRUD Core indicators were used in prescription analysis. Results: Average number of drugs per prescription in the study was 3.05+/-2.54(1-7). 33.0% of all the prescriptions had antibiotics. Overall average consultation time was 2.3+/-1.53 minutes and average dispensing time was 4.3+/-1.6 minutes. E.D.L/ formulary was available in all the selected dispensaries. Average cost per prescription was Rs.103.8+/-233. Conclusion: This study on prescription audit in CGHS Dispensaries at Kolkata revealed that prescribing habits of the G.D.M.O's as well as the dispensing practices may be bettered. There is a need to strengthen an independent mechanism for continuing professional development of practitioners to ensure that patients are always given evidence-based, cost-effective treatments.