Essental drug list EDL

Essential medicines:

Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care need of the population.
Essential medicines satisfy the needs of the majority of the population and therefore should be available at all times; in adequate amounts, dosage forms and at affordable price.
The original 1977 WHO definition of essential medicines was that they were "of utmost importance, basic, indispensable,and necessary for the healthcare needs of population."
Selection Criteria:
Essential medicines are selected with regard to
• disease prevalence
• efficacy and safety
• cost-effectiveness
Purpose:
These are intended to be available within healthcare system at all times, in adequate amounts, in appropriate dosage forms, with assured quality and at reasonable price.
History:
• 1977 first World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines, revised every two years.
• 25 years later modern concept is seen
• 156 developing countries have national EDL
• EDL are also used by UNICEF, UNHCR and many non-governmental organizations.
Selection of EDL:
WHO Criteria
• adequate data of safety and efficacy
• evidence of performance in different healthcare systems
• available dosage form for assured quality
• stability during storage
• use and cost of treatment
• preference of single compound
• pharmacokinetic properties
• incidence and pattern of disease,genetic, demographic and environmental factors affecting disease
• treatment facility and resources
• cost of whole treatment and not the cost of unit dose is considered
• all essential drugs should be non-patented
• Essential drugs are useful and most needed for majority of healthcare system
• for safe and effective use of essential drugs, healthcare professionals should receive the reliable drug information.
Advantages:
• higher quality of care
• effective use of health resources
• prevention of irrational use of medicines
• by ensuring quality safety and effectiveness, safe patient life
• increase cost effectiveness
• promote patient participation

National Essential Drug List NEDL of Pakistan:

• first prepared in 1994
• revised in 1995 and 2000
• present list third revision containing 452 drugs.