PROCUREMENT OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
1985 commemorated the tenth anniversary of the idea of essential drugs. It was in 1975 that the WHO Director General outlined possible new drug policies (1), and the World Health Assembly requested that advice be given to Member States on the selection and procurement of essential drugs (2).

Technical work started shortly after, and the first WHO "model list" of basic, indispensable, and necessary medicines appeared in 1977 (3) as a result of which the international health community became enthusiastic. And in 1978, the Alma-Ata Conference highlighted the importance of essential drugs and their availability (4).