An Overview On Essential Medicine List

Essential medicines are those that satisfy the health care needs of all population. The concept of essential medicine was introduced by WHO in 1977, as a part of the global strategy to improve healthcare accessibility and equity. The availability of essential medicines is a fundamental aspect of health systems strengthening, as it ensures that even in low resource settings, individuals can access necessary treatments. Ensuring the availability and affordability of essential medicines remains a key global health goal representing both public health and human rights issue. The essential medicine concept is relevant to other program as well and results not only in better use of resources but also in better practice of medicine. It addresses several other issues such as good therapeutics and reduced side effects of medicines and saves money for individuals, hospitals, healthcare provider and other country. Access to essential medicines is a major determinant of health outcomes but access to essential medicines in developing countries like India is not determinant. In this study we review all the updated essential medicines lists issued by WHO and also revise the NLEM lists presented in India. By revising these lists, the knowledge of both healthcare personnel, public and there by improve the quality of healthcare system is improved.