A retrospective study on cost analysis and drug utilization among indoor patients of schizophrenia at psychiatric department of tertiary care hospital of South Gujarat

Abstract Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric illness requiring long-term drug therapy. Rational and economical use of antipsychotics is essential to optimize treatment outcomes, especially in developing countries like India. Objectives: To evaluate the drug utilization pattern and compare the cost of prescribed medications for schizophrenia from government-supplied, Janaushadhi, and commercially available sources. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted using medical records of indoor patients with schizophrenia admitted over 1 year from October 2021 to September 2022. World Health Organization core and complementary drug use indicators were applied. Cost comparisons were made for prescribed drugs using government, Janaushadhi, and commercially available cost data. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics in Microsoft Office Excel 2021. Results: The study analyzed 160 patient records. Most patients (24%) were aged 21–25 years. Haloperidol and olanzapine were the most frequently prescribed antipsychotics. The average number of drugs per prescription was 6.11. Generic prescribing was 78%, and 71.05% of drugs were from the essential medicines list. The average prescription cost was ₹79.80 (commercially available cost), ₹24.78 (Janaushadhi), and ₹17.33 (government supply rate with a pharma company, which is free for patients). Conclusions: Encouraging generic prescriptions and essential medicine use can improve rational drug use. By maximizing government and Janaushadhi resources, treatment can be made more affordable.