WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines

WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines Latest News

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released updated editions of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML), adding new treatments for various types of cancer, diabetes, and obesity associated with comorbidities

About WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines

• It acts like a register of minimum medicine needs for every health-care system. 
• It is updated every two years by the Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.
• History of the Essential Medicines List
  • The first country in the world to compose its EML was Tanzania in 1970.
  • Then in 1975, the World Health Assembly requested WHO to assist member states in selecting and procuring essential medicines, assuring good quality at reasonable cost.
  • Subsequently, the first WHO model list of essential medicines was published in the year 1977 which contained 186 medicines.
  •  WHO selects essential medicines based on public health relevance, evidence of benefits and harms, and with consideration of costs, affordability and other relevant factors.
  • Globally, over 150 countries have national essential medicines lists based on the WHO Model List.

What are Essential Medicines?

• As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Essential Medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population.
• The list is made with consideration to disease prevalence, efficacy, safety and comparative cost-effectiveness of the medicines.
• Such medicines are intended to be available in adequate amounts, in appropriate dosage forms and strengths with assured quality. They should be available in such a way that an individual or community can afford.

Source: WHO

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