Essential medicines policies

Essential Medicines Policies are health policies that aim to make necessary medicines available, accessible, affordable, and of assured quality to the populations that need them, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These policies are based on the concept of "essential medicines," a list that is updated and published every two years by the World Health Organization (WHO). Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of the population. They are selected with regard to disease prevalence, evidence on efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness.

Overview

The concept of essential medicines is central to global health initiatives and is a critical component of health systems. It promotes a limited number of medicines to improve health care quality and manage health care costs more efficiently. Essential medicines policies are designed to ensure equitable access to the most important medicines for all people.

History

The WHO first introduced the concept of essential medicines in 1977, recognizing the vast disparities in medicine availability and affordability across different regions. The Essential Medicines List (EML) was created to provide a guide for the procurement of medicines in the public sector, insurance schemes, and medicine donations.

Selection Criteria

The selection of essential medicines is based on:

• The public health relevance
• Evidence on efficacy and safety
• Comparative cost-effectiveness

Medicines are considered for inclusion in the EML if they meet these criteria and are intended to treat conditions that are significant public health concerns.

Implementation

Countries are encouraged to adapt the WHO's model list into their own national lists, taking into consideration their specific healthcare needs, priorities, and financial resources. Implementation of essential medicines policies involves:

• Developing a national list of essential medicines
• Ensuring the quality of medicines through regulatory mechanisms
• Making medicines available through procurement and supply systems
• Promoting rational use of medicines by healthcare providers and consumers
• Financing medicines to ensure affordability for the population

Challenges

Despite the progress made, many countries face challenges in implementing effective essential medicines policies. These include:

• Limited financial resources
• Weak healthcare systems
• Insufficient regulatory capacity
• Poor procurement and supply chain management
• Inadequate access to current medical information

Impact

Studies have shown that the implementation of essential medicines policies can lead to improved access to healthcare, more rational use of medicines, and better health outcomes. However, the success of these policies depends on strong political commitment, adequate funding, and efficient healthcare systems.

Future Directions

The future of essential medicines policies involves addressing the current challenges and adapting to new health threats. This includes updating the EML to include medicines for emerging diseases, improving access to medicines in crisis situations, and integrating innovative health technologies.

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