WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines:
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
- WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- These medicines are intended to be available in adequate amounts, in appropriate dosage forms and strengths with assured quality.
