Rational drug therapy (RDT) is often discussed and advised in conferences and journals. Still it is doubtful whether such recommendations are practiced while prescribing. Exponentially spreading drug resistance especially against antibiotics (even the newest one are not exempted), antituberculars, antimalarials, and squandering irrelevant treatment are the acid effects of such injudi- cious prescriptions. In my opinion the fore-most reason for this trend is increasing pres- sure of pharmaceutical companies, repercussions of which were conspicuous when infant milk substitutes and infant foods (IMS and IF) were encouraged over breastmilk and home made nutritious items. As soon as sponsorships and advertisements by these. trades were prohibited nationally we Were able to practice the concept of the exclusive breastfeeding.

It is also a truth that practising clinicians are more ethical and logical during the initial period of their field carrier, when they are not invaded and influenced by sales executives of drug manufacturers.

Taking considerations of these facts, RDT can be accelerated and conceptualized in day to day practice only when each clinician applies medicines according to patient and their diseases; rather than what is persuaded by particular drug marketing trade or corporate.

But the bigger question is whether we can organize conferences or publish journals (including small level periodicals) without getting sponsors? This is definitely a mammoth and expensive job. It is here the whole fraternity has to act. If we are now able to conduct lAP Undergraduate Pediatric Quiz without such sponsorships than we can also implement the same at all level conferences, symposias, updates, workshops and publications.

To start with I suggest that display and promotion of commonly used irrational drug combinations, liver and brain tonics, all herbal or ayurvedic preparations (without proved pharmacological actions) should not be allowed during various academic activities (in the same manner as IMS and IF are banned).

To arrange and organize various academic festivals and to continue publications without financial support from outside appears a marathon job (but not suicidal) to be- gin with but it was said long ago "The distance does not matter, it is only the first step that is difficult".

Ravi Goyal,
Consultant Pediatrician,
581-A, Talwandi,
Kota 324 005,
Rajasthan,
India.