An observational study to evaluate the knowledge of drug schedules among the 2nd year undergraduate medical students in a government medical college in South India

Abstract

Background: In India, many of the drugs which are to be purchased only with the prescription by the registered medical practitioners, that is, drugs (Schedule H) are available to the patients without the doctors prescription leading to unwanted side effects. It is extremely important to create the awareness in health-care professionals and country men to counter this ignorance. Aim and Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge among undergraduate medical students in a government medical college in South India regarding drug schedules. Materials and Methods: The 2nd year medical students (n = 150) were recruited in this current study. We have used pilot tested validated questionnaire to know the concept of different drug schedules among the 2nd year medical students. Results: Nearly 65% of the students have the knowledge regarding Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, and all the drug schedules. It was interesting to find that 60–70% of students were aware about schedule H drugs and category X drugs, respectively. Conclusion: The knowledge of different drug schedules acquired by the 2nd year medical students in their pharmacology curriculum will certainly help the budding doctors to apply the knowledge relevantly in their future practice and guide other health-care professionals and counter the ignorance of drug schedules among the public.