A Comparative Study of International Strategies for Management of Medicine Use Considering Needs and Challenges of the Afghan Health System

Abstract In Afghanistan, the use of medicines has extended beyond medical necessity and has become a major social and managerial challenge within the healthcare system. The absence ofacoherent pharmaceutical policy, weak regulatoryoversight, and limited public awareness regarding appropriateMedicine use have contributed to the misuse of resources and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. This studyaddresses the fundamental question of which global approachesand experiences in pharmaceutical management can be adaptedto Afghanistan’s contextto improve the efficiency of itshealthcaresystem.Usingananalytical-comparativemethodology, the study examines pharmaceutical policies,regulatory structures, and practical strategies in both developedhealthsystems and countries with limited resources. Thefindings reveal that systems that coordinated three keyelements effective governmental policy, continuous publiceducation, and consistent oversight along the pharmaceuticalsupply chain achieved better outcomes in reducing irrationalMedicine use. In contrast, countries that implemented thesecomponents in a fragmented or temporary manner continue toface challenges similar to Afghanistan. Based on this analysis,the study proposes a three-stage contextual framework which,grounded in internal capacities, can promote rational Medicineuse, mitigate Medicine resistance, and enhance public trust inAfghanistan’s healthcare system.