DRUG DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN HOSPITAL
Introduction to Drug Distribution:
Drug distribution is the process of supplying medicines from the hospital pharmacy to patients. It includes storage, supply, and administration of drugs.
- Drugs are supplied to in-patients.
- Drugs are supplied to out-patients.
Types of Drug Distribution System:
- In-patient drug distribution
- Out-patient drug distribution
Drug Distribution to In-Patients:
1. Individual Prescription Order Method:
Doctor writes prescription and medicines are supplied individually.
Advantages:
- Less staff required
- Direct pharmacist review
Disadvantages:
- More medication errors
- Increased nursing workload
- Drug wastage possible
2. Floor Stock Method:
Medicines are stored in wards and managed by nurses.
Types of Floor Stock Drugs:
A. Charge Drugs:
- Cost charged to patient
- Dispensed using envelope method
B. Non-Charge Drugs:
- Common and low-cost drugs
- Not billed individually
Drug Basket Method:
- Nurse checks stock
- Sends empty containers
- Pharmacy refills and returns
Mobile Dispensing Unit:
- Drug delivery using trolley
- Helps in stock checking
Advantages of Floor Stock:
- Fast availability
- Reduced workload
Disadvantages:
- No pharmacist review
- Higher error risk
- Wastage and theft risk
3. Combination Method:
- Combination of individual and floor stock
- Most commonly used
4. Unit Dose Drug Distribution System:
Drugs are supplied in single-dose packages.
Types of Unit Dose System:
- Centralised Unit Dose System
- Decentralised Unit Dose System
Advantages:
- Reduced medication errors
- Better safety
- Less wastage
- Improved records
Disadvantages:
- Costly
- Needs more staff
- Time consuming
Dr. Saint Paul is a pharmacy educator, Pharm.D graduate, and academic content creator from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK), where he completed his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree between 2015 and 2021.
He has more than 7 years of experience creating pharmacy educational content, writing study materials, and reviewing academic articles for pharmacy students. He has also contributed guest articles to pharmacy education platforms, including PharmD Guru.
At D.PharmGuru, his work focuses on simplifying complex Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharmacy) subjects into easy-to-understand notes, practical explanations, and exam-oriented educational resources for students across India.
His areas of focus include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, and other core D.Pharmacy subjects.
