Context (TH): The misconceptions about Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) led to their reduced prescription for diarrhoea treatment.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
ORS is a medical formulation used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, vomiting, and excessive sweating.
It consists of a precise balance of water, electrolytes (salts), and sugar.
The typical formulation, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), includesSodium chloride (salt),Glucose (sugar),Potassium chloride,and Trisodium citrate.
How Does ORS Work?
Electrolytes: These minerals, primarily sodium and potassium, aid in fluid absorption and maintain proper bodily functions.
Sugar (Glucose):It helps the intestines absorb water and electrolytes more efficiently.
Uses of ORS
To prevent or treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, which can be life-threatening, especially in children and the elderly.
To replace fluids lost through sweating during intense physical activity or heatstroke.
Reasons for under-prescription of ORS
Provider Misconceptions:Healthcare providers may incorrectly believe that patients do not want ORS, perhaps due to its taste or the perception that it is not a “real” medicine.
Financial Incentives:There is a financial motive to prescribe more profitable medications over ORS.
Antibiotics and other treatments can be more expensive, potentially generating more profit for the provider or healthcare facility.
Stock-outs:Instances where ORS is not available due to stock-outs lead to under-prescription.
Programs Promoting ORS Usage
National Health Mission (NHM)
The government provides ORS packets and Zinc tablets free of cost at public health facilities.
Promotes ORS along with Zinc supplementation for managing diarrhoea in children.
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Promotes ORS for treating dehydration caused by diarrhoea.
Intensified diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF)
Focuses on reducing child deaths due to diarrhoea by promoting ORS and Zinc therapy.
