The who concept of essential medicines and the who ethical criteria for medicinal drug promotion: history and lessons for domestic pharmaceutical sector

Abstract

The review covers the history and evolution of the WHO initiatives in pharmaceutical policy - for better and safer use of medicines, their scientifically based selection and ethical promotion. The WHO Concept of Essential Medicines, the WHO vision of the Rational Use of medicines and the WHO Ethical Criteria for Medicinal Drug Promotion are reviewed. Contribution of these WHO designed initiatives, definitions and documents to Global Health, particularly relating to modern Russian health system problems is discussed. The principles and methodology of drug selection are presented. The review describes health system benefits of the WHO Essential Medicines Concept implementation at a national level. Advantages of the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines use not only as a model product, but as a model process and an healthcare instrument are emphasized. The WHO principles of the Rational Use of Medicines, the history of its International development, the WHO key strategies towards the Rational Use of Medicines and the major barriers on the way are described. The history of the WHO Ethical Criteria for medicinal drug promotion development is presented in line with the basic principles and objectives of this unique international document. The core goal of the WHO Ethical Criteria is to improve health and healthcare through the rational use of medicines. The global implementation of the WHO Essential Medicines Concept and the ever growing barriers to the rational use of medicines and advances in public health, as well the advances and problems of the Russian national health system, are discussed in the historical perspective.