Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
On Essentiality and the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines
Victoria A Marks1, Stephen R Latham2, Sandeep P Kishore3
1Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT.
Background:
In 1977 the World Health Organization created its first Model List of Essential Medicines-a list designed to aid countries in determining which medicines to prioritize on their National Essential Medicines Lists. In classifying drugs as "essential," the World Health Organization has historically stressed drugs' ability to meet priority health needs of populations and cost.
Objectives:
In this paper we trace the fluctuations in the application of cost and priority status of disease as criteria for essential medicines throughout the reports published by the WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines since 1977.
Methods:
We analyzed essential medicines lists published on the World Health Organization website since 1977 for trends in criteria concerning cost and priority status of disease. Where, available, analyzed the World Health Organization Expert Committee analysis rationalizing why certain medicines were or were not added and were or were not removed.
Results:
The application of the criteria of cost and priority status of essential medicines has fluctuated dramatically over the years.
Conclusions:
The definition of essential medicines has shifted and now necessitates a new consensus on normative definitions and criteria. A more standardized and transparent set of procedures for choosing essential medicines is required.
Related Concept Videos
International Nursing Organizations II
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
Drug Regulation
Drug Classes and Categories
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...

