Abstract: The first WHO Essential Drugs List (EDL), published in 1977, is widely regarded as one of WHO's most influential public health achievements. It was described, by many, as a peaceful revolution in international public health. The EDL, advocated by WHO, was a guideline and was based on the principle that some medicines were more essential than others on the contrary many medicines in developing countries were not useful. In addition a limited range of carefully selected essential medicines leads to better health care, better drug management, and lower costs. Essential medicines, as defined by the WHO in 1977, were "of utmost importance, basic, indispensable, and necessary for the healthcare needs of the population". The original definition has changed to more categorical longer 2002 definition. "Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. They are selected with due regard to disease prevalence, evidence on efficacy, 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. The implementation of the concept of essential medicines is intended to be flexible and adaptable to many different situations; exactly which medicines are regarded as essential remains a national responsibility.”
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