what are the essential drugs ?

ESSENTIAL DRUGS
 • Ministries of health normally determine the types of drugs and dosage forms that are selected for use in a country, these are called Essential Drugs.

• Such selections ensure that available financial resources are used wisely, provide a limited list of drugs and dosage forms that are appropriate to the health problems of a country or community

• Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the majority of the population. They are selected with due regard to public health relevance, evidence on efficacy and safety, and comparative cost effectiveness.

 • Essential medicines are intended to be available within the context of functioning health systems at all times in adequate amounts, in the appropriate dosage forms, with assured quality and adequate information, and at a price the individual and the community can afford.