Self-medication by definition is the self-administration of a drug without a physician’s prescription. Self-care, disease prevention and disease management are all included under the general phrase "self-medication," which encompasses a wide range of behaviours. As a result, it is not just the use of drugs, it also encompasses actions taken to alter one's lifestyle. The idea of self-medication promotes people to treat minor ailments with cheap, efficient treatments and it has gained widespread acceptance.
Many causes, including socioeconomic ones, lifestyle choices, easy access to medications, the capacity to treat some illnesses on one's own, the high expense of private medical visits, lengthy wait periods, educational attainment and increased market availability of pharmaceuticals contributed to the rise in self-medication.
Self-medication is a critical public health hazard that is on the rise in both industrialized and developing nations. The situation is worst in remote or rural areas, where the population is socially, economically and educationally impoverished and lacks access to appropriate healthcare. Specific population groups including children, the elderly, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers could have catastrophic consequences due to ignorance of their adverse effects and drug combinations.
The development and implementation of programs regarding the dangers of self-medication as well as tighter regulation and monitoring of drug sales are crucial considerations for health decision and policy-makers. It might be possible to lessen self-medication by making it easier for everyone to access doctors and medical facilities.
Although it does have some benefits for healthcare system by enhanced access to medication, but self-medication is undoubtedly a kiss of death to human race.
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