Essential Drugs of Nepal
UNIT 11
Akriti Dhakal
aakuudhakal123@gmail.com
Pharmacology // PCL Nursing // CTEVT
Essential Medicines
- Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of the
population.
- They are selected based on their relevance to public health, 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 at a price the individual and the community can afford.
Concept of Essential Medicines
- The concept of essential medicines was introduced by the World Health Organization
(WHO) in 1977.
- The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, which is updated every two years,
serves as a guide for the development of national and institutional essential
medicine lists.
- Now, individual countries have developed their own set of lists.
Nepal- History
- National List of Essential Drugs for Nepal (NLEM) was prepared in 1986 for the first
time based on WHO model list of essential drugs and other such patterns like:
- Pattern of prevalent diseases
- Availability of treatment Facilities
- Training and experience of available personnel
- Various genetic, demographic, socio-economic and environment factors of Nepal
- The list was revised in 1992, 1997, 2002, 2011, 2016 and 2021; total 6 revisions have
been done.
- The NLEM, 2021 contains 398 molecules in
various 29 different therapeutic category.
- It is prepared and published by Department of
Drug Administration (DDA) and approved by
Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) in
Nepal.
Criteria for selecting for Essential Medicines
1. Public Health Relevance: Medicines should address significant health problems
prevalent in the population.
2. Efficacy and Safety: Selected medicines must have proven effectiveness and safety
through scientific evidence.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Medicines should provide good value for money, balancing cost and
overall treatment benefits.
4. Comparative Effectiveness: Preference for medicines that are more effective or safer
than existing options, or equally effective but more affordable.
5. Quality Assurance: Medicines must meet international quality standards, including
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
6. Sustainable Availability: Ensuring consistent production and supply to meet population
needs.
7. Appropriate Dosage Forms: Availability in suitable forms and strengths for various age
groups, including pediatric formulations.
Importance of Essential Medicine List
1. Prioritization of Health Needs:
- The list ensures that the most critical health needs of the population are addressed by
focusing on medicines that treat prevalent and priority diseases.
1. Guidance for Healthcare Systems:
- It provides a standardized guideline for healthcare providers, ensuring consistency and
quality in the treatment protocols across various healthcare facilities.
1. Rational Use of Medicines:
- Promotes the rational use of medicines by emphasizing evidence-based treatments,
reducing the misuse or overuse of drugs, and preventing antimicrobial resistance.
4. Cost-Effective Healthcare:
- Helps in optimizing healthcare budgets by prioritizing cost-effective and efficient treatment
options, making healthcare more affordable for both the government and the public.
5. Ensured Availability:
- Aids in streamlining procurement processes and supply chain management, ensuring that
essential medicines are always available in adequate quantities.
6. Support for Universal Health Coverage:
- Contributes to achieving universal health coverage by making essential medicines accessible
and affordable to all segments of the population, including the marginalized and vulnerable
groups.
7. Basis for Health Policy and Planning:
- Serves as a foundational tool for national health policy development, planning, and
implementation, aligning with global health standards and adapting to local health priorities.
For the list to drugs distributed from Health Post, PHC and District level, please refer to the
textbook.
(Page No: 431)
THANK YOU
