The use of essential drugs. Eighth report of the WHO Expert Committee (including the revised Model List of Essential Drugs)

Abstract

This report presents the recommendations of a WHO Expert Committee responsible for updating and revising the Model List of Essential Drugs. The first part provides guidance for countries wishing to establish national programmes for essential drugs, and includes discussion of quality assurance, essential drugs for primary health care, post-registration drug studies, drug information and educational activities, and research and development. In the light of increasing resistance to antimicrobials, particular attention is drawn to the need for and use of reserve antimicrobials. The second part presents the tenth revised model list, together with details of changes that have been made, a glossary of terms and an alphabetical list of all the drugs included.