Essential medicines availability is still suboptimal in many countries: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoeconomics
• Global Health
• Health Policy

Background:

• The WHO Model list of Essential Medicines (EMs) serves as a global benchmark for healthcare systems.
• National Essential Medicines Lists (NEMLs) are crucial for drug accessibility and affordability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the applications of the WHO Model list of Essential Medicines (EMs).
• To summarize existing research on the utilization of EMs and national EM lists (NEMLs).

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted.
• Searches included PubMed, Scopus, WHO website, and WHO Regional Databases.
• 100 full-text documents were analyzed for quantitative and qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Essential medicines availability is suboptimal in low-income countries.
• Availability of pediatric formulations and EMs for chronic diseases, cancer, pain, and reproductive health is insufficient, even in middle-income countries.
• Analysis revealed gaps in evidence for NEMLs not aligning with the WHO EML.

Conclusions:

• The WHO Model list of Essential Medicines provides a foundational set for diverse healthcare settings.
• More evidence is required on how NEMLs can improve access to pediatric, pain, and cancer medicines in developing countries.