Objective. To review original research studies published
between 1990 and 2004 on the access and use of medicines in
Mexico to assess the knowledge base for reforming Mexico’s
pharmaceutical policy. Material and Methods. A literature
review using electronic databases was conducted of original
studies published in the last 15 years about access and use
of medicines in Mexico. In addition, a manual search of six
relevant journals was performed. Excluded were publications
on herbal, complementary and alternative medicines. Results.Were identified 108 original articles as being relevant,
out of 2 289 titles reviewed, highlighting four policy-related
problems: irrational prescribing, harmful self-medication, inequitable
access, and frequent drug stock shortage in public
health centers. Conclusions. This review identified two
priorities for Mexico’s pharmaceutical policy and strategies:
tackling the irrational use of medicines and the inadequate
access of medicines. These are critical priorities for a new
national pharmaceutical policy.