title: Current FDA directives for promoting public health.
abstract: The current directions of the FDA are outlined. The underlying philosophy of the FDA under the Reagan Administration is that both the private sector and the government must address the responsibilities to which they are best suited for the health-care system to work more efficiently. To facilitate this, FDA is conducting comprehensive reviews of FDA regulations and the drug-evaluation process. There are many dimensions to promoting public health, and the FDA alone cannot assure an adequate supply of safe and effective drugs. Innovative science and technology are needed to develop new drugs, followed by maximum potentiation (maximum good and least harm) after FDA approval. Hospital pharmacists have a role in maximizing the potential benefits of drugs through pharmacy and therapeutics committees. The current status of the pilot program for patient package inserts is described. The response at a recent hearing on the program indicates that the responsibility to protect the public health is shared by the government, health professions, industry, and the public. The FDA's campaign on sodium is based on that shared responsibility. By improving communication and building upon their common objections, both pharmacy and the FDA can do their jobs successfully.
mesh_terms: D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004348:Drug Labeling; D006293:Health Promotion; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D011634:Public Health; D012964:Sodium / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium