WHO supports countries in the selection of essential medicines by publishing the Model List of Essential Medicines, which serves as a guide to the development of national essential medicines lists.
Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. They are selected with due regard to public health relevance, evidence on efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness.
Careful selection of a limited range of essential medicines results in a higher quality of care for patients, better management and use of medicines and more cost-effective use of health resources. Clinical guidelines and lists of essential medicines positively impact the availability and proper use of medicines within health care systems.
