Abstract
This study aimed at the analysis, from the perspective of rationality, of policy making process in the separation of prescribing and dispensing. This study is to identify the characteristics and problems of the policy process to introduce the new durg-prescription system, and make policy recommendations. In terms of separation of prescribing and dispensing, the development of policy making process can be divided into two periods; periods before and after the inauguration of the govemment of people. In the period before the govermment of poeple, one of the major characteristics of policy decision on the new system was the poweful influence of interset groups. At that time, the ministry lacked the problem-solving ability and commitment on the policy. Consequently, during the former period, the policy making process had been driven by interest groups. Therefore, the original purpose of the policy to secure the pulic health was lost. During the latter period, there was also the strong influence of interst groups, complexity of interest, the ministry's inability of problem solving. However, in this period, it is notable that this has drawn nation-wide attention, severl civic grouos have participated in the policy making process, and that the number and voice of these groups have remarkably increased. With regards to rationality, incrementalish model is highly sutable to explain the policy making process in the former period. But in the latter period when the new drugperscripition system became a national issue and civic groups began to participte in this matter more actively, rational model is more explanatory that incrementalism to understand the process. During the latter period, the original goal of this policy was not distored by a few interest groups thanks to the rapid development of civil movement and therebly a big influence of civic groups on the policy making. For that reson, a jigh level of rationality is found in the policy-making process of the latter period. Some suggestions to achieve the rationality in the policy making process based on the results of this study are as follows; Frist, the public's participation should be enered in the policy making process. Second, the govermment should make contiuns efforts to enhance its ability of long-term planning and policy implementation, and increase rationality of policy making process. Third, balance among interset groups should take place in the process of policy making. Forth, sound, constructive, and logical activity of interest groups is necessary to express and promote their interests.
