Improving the Rational Use of Medicines by Assessing Antibiotic Consumption to Solve the Problem of Antibiotic Resistance in the Republic of Kazakhstan

The aim. Develop policy options to improve the rational use of medicines by assessing antibiotic consumption to address antibiotic resistance in the Republic of Kazakhstan. We used the data of the Republican Center for Healthcare Development’s report on the assessment of the consumption of antibiotics in the Republic of Kazakhstan, purchased by the Single Distributor within the guaranteed volume of free medical care for 2019, in comparison with the period 2017-2018. Three policy options have been developed: 1. Improving the rational prescription and use of antibacterial drugs. 2. Raising awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance issues through information policy and increased training 3. Strengthening control of prescription dispensing of antibacterial drugs in pharmacies. For each policy option, measures are identified to achieve them, as well as possible barriers. A combined implementation of each policy option is necessary, as this issue requires a systematic approach. The implementation of all points of measures will contribute to ensuring the use of antibacterials rationally, according to strict therapeutic indications, with an individual selection of dosages and will exclude self-medication with antibiotics, which in turn will help prevent antibiotic resistance in the future and will give a chance for effective, high-quality and successful treatment of bacterial infections. Key words: medicines, systemic antibiotics, consumption of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, rational use of medicines, Kazakhstan.