Drug Information Q&A Q21. Are there opportunities to study about pharmaceuticals at school?
Answer
Since April 2012, "education on pharmaceuticals" has been mandatory in "health and physical education" classes at junior high schools. Elementary and high schools are also beginning to offer pharmaceutical education at the discretion of each school.
Chart/Column
The reason why education on pharmaceuticals is required is to ensure that even minors are aware of the importance of taking care of their own health and using pharmaceuticals correctly when they use them.
Japan has one of the world's best insurance systems, the "universal health insurance system," under which everyone can receive medical care at low out-of-pocket costs with the support of the national and local governments.
However, in recent years, with the declining birthrate and aging society, the cost of medical care for the people has continued to skyrocket, putting pressure on the finances of the national and local governments. Therefore, the concept of "self-medication," in which each citizen strives to manage his or her own health and treat minor ailments on his or her own, has become increasingly important.
In 2005, the "Specialist Subcommittee on Education for Healthy Body" of the Central Council for Education under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology recommended in its status report on deliberations that "the minimum that all children should learn: to understand the efficacy and side effects of medicines and to use them correctly" as "the minimum that all children should learn through health The report recommended that "all children should be able to understand the efficacy and side effects of medicines and use them correctly.
In the 2008 Courses of Study for Junior High Schools, in the area of Health and Physical Education: Health, it was stated that "Health and medical institutions should be used effectively to maintain and promote health and to prevent disease. In addition, the correct use of medicines was added, and "education on medicines" became a part of compulsory education.
In addition, with the revision of the Courses of Study in 2008, pharmaceuticals will be taught more deeply in high schools as well.
While prescription drugs prescribed by a doctor are used under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, it is important to self-manage over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased at pharmacies and drugstores.
However, for OTC drugs, which can be purchased at pharmacies and drugstores, self-management is more and more important, and one must use them at one's own risk. There may be cases in which taking drugs incorrectly or taking drugs at one's own discretion can lead to dangerous situations.
It is important to learn how to use medicines correctly from the age of a minor.
MINI Column Courses of Study
Junior High School
Medicines should be used correctly.
Explanation
- Students should be able to understand that medicines have primary effects and side effects.
- Understand that medicines have usage methods such as frequency of use, duration of use, and dosage, and that they need to be used correctly.
Proper use of medicines
High School
Drugs must be screened for efficacy and safety, and there must be restrictions on their sale.
Correct use of medicines is effective in recovering from illness or preventing deterioration of illness.
Explanation
- Understand that there are ethical drugs and over-the-counter drugs, that their efficacy and safety are reviewed under the approval system, and that their sale is regulated.
- Students should be able to understand that in order to recover from a disease or to prevent deterioration of a disease, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of each drug, follow the instructions for use, and use the drug correctly.
In doing so, the student should also be aware that some side effects can be expected, while others are difficult to anticipate.
Excerpts from the 2005 report on the status of deliberations by the Central Council for Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "Specialized Subcommittee on Education for Healthy Bodies.
Source: Quoted (excerpted) from "The Correct Use of Medicines: Commentary for Instructors (for High School Students)" by the Japan School Health Association.
https://www.hokenkai.or.jp/iyakuhin/05.pdf
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