The Evaluation and Control of Drugs in Norway

Abstract

The basic aim of a drug policy is to ensure that effective and safe drugs of good quality are available to cover the health needs of a country. A national drug policy should be considered an integral part of any comprehensive health-care policy. The formulation of national drug policies varies even between similar countries because of conflicting interests and different political, economic, and social pressures. It is influenced by such factors as:the health situation of the country;the medical care system;the education and training of health personnel;the social security and health-insurance schemes;drug research and development possibilities;the domestic production of drugs;the determination of the demand for drugs;the system of drug distribution;the possibilities for evaluation and control of drugs; andinternational policies on medicinal products.