药物是人类防病治病的重要物质。随着生活水平的提高 ,人们对医疗保健的需要越来越高 ,在药物选用原则上要求也更高。安全有效、经济合理用药永远是患者关心的第一位问题。而 1999年又是我国全面推行医疗卫生改革的关键一年。这一年 ,非处方用药 (ＯＴＣ)制度将出台 ,医疗保健 Drugs are important substances for humans to prevent and treat diseases. With the improvement of living standards, people’s need for health care is getting higher and higher. The principle of drug selection is also more demanding. Safe, effective, economical and rational drug use is always the first concern of patients. In 1999, it was also a crucial year for the full implementation of medical and health reforms in China. This year, the over-the-counter medication (OTC) system will be introduced, medical care