BRAZIL TO PERMIT GREATER NON-DOCTOR PRESCRIBING

A Brazilian federal judicial committee has upheld a ruling that permits nurses to prescribe pharmaceuticals. According to local media sources, the move could boost the prescription drug market, in view of the country's very poor doctor/patient ratio of 1.4 per 1,000 people.

Non-doctor prescribing has a long history in Brazil, with even some dentists reported to dispense prescription drugs. While prescription drugs are the dominant sector, the share of drugs prescribed by a qualified doctor is considerably lower, at roughly 35%. The government, which is attempting to expand healthcare coverage, is likely to welcome the ruling, as there are large numbers of community health workers and nurses in areas where doctor coverage has traditionally been poor.

However, it is likely the generics sector will be the decision's main beneficiary. Much of the recent growth in generic sales in Brazil has been linked to changes in prescribing patterns. More newly qualified doctors tend to prescribe greater amounts of generics, and nurses are likely to be encouraged to follow suit. Notably, prescription slips do not discriminate between branded and generic drugs, unless specified.