|
The selection of essential medicines results in
improved quality of care, better management of medicines, and a
cost-effective use of available health resources. Selection of essential
medicines needs to take account of public health relevance, the best
available clinical evidence of efficacy and safety as well as an assessment
of comparative cost-effectiveness. The process needs to be transparent and
should consider the perspectives of the patient, health professionals and
national authorities. The rational use of medicines implies that patients receive medicines
appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their individual
requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them
and their community.
The irrational use of medicines and other health technologies is
widespread. It not only undermines the potential usefulness of medicines and
health technologies but also results in negative therapeutic and economic
outcomes. WHO estimates that more than half of all medicines are prescribed,
dispensed or sold inappropriately, and that half of all patients fail to take
them correctly. The overuse, underuse or misuse of medicines results in
wastage of scarce resources and widespread health hazards. WHO advocates 12
key interventions to promote more rational use of medicines.
WHO
Country Office with CDSCO and collaborating partners has supported the
establishment of independent drug information centres and has undertaken a
study on consumer information. Other initiatives include building up a data
base of sound alike and look alike (SALA) brands and developing drug
information leaflets.
 Reports
Links
 National List of Essential Medicines (PDF)
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (PDF)
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (PDF)
WHO Model Formulary
|
