Implementation of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority Agency's (BPOM) Health Service Policy on the Sale of NonPrescribed Prescription Drugs at Pharmacies in Makassar

Abstract

The delivery of prescription drugs without using any prescription in Indonesian pharmacies is still frequent, such as the delivery of amlodipine (97.7%) and allopurinol (92.0%) without a doctor's prescription (Rokhman, 2017). The studies of Siahaan (2017) and Djawaria (2018) also show a similar trend, highlighting low compliance with BPOM policies. This indicates that the implementation of BPOM policies related to prescription drugs has not been optimal, increasing the risk of irrational drug use and shows public disapproval of the drug and food control system. Improvements in the implementation of BPOM policies are needed to reduce the risk of using hard drugs without a prescription. This research uses qualitative research methods with a descriptive approach. The data was analyzed using content analysts. Interviews were conducted with 5 informants in several agencies, including 2 Key Informants and 3 Ordinary Informants. Effective communication occurs between BPOM, health offices, and pharmacies through offline and online programs. Although resources in pharmacies are considered sufficient, challenges arise from the inadequacy of transportation facilities. Compliance with SOPs, especially related to the prescriptions supervision of prescription drug, is a problem. Improving SOP compliance, coordination, and public education are considered important to improve the effectiveness of BPOM policy implementation in Makassar City pharmacies. The implementation of BPOM policy related to the sale of prescription drugs without any doctor's prescription in pharmacies in Makassar City has been going well, supported by diverse communication and the availability of adequate resources. However, there are still practical obstacles such as transportation problems, lack of public education, budget constraints, lack of formal procedures in some pharmacies, and lack of interaction with relevant agencies.