title: Accessibility and use of essential medicines in health care: Current progress and challenges in India.
abstract: Essential Medicine Concept, a major breakthrough in health care, started in 1977 when World Health Organization (WHO) published its first list. Appropriate use of essential medicines is one of the most cost-effective components of modern health care. The selection process has evolved from expert evaluation to evidence-based selection. The first Indian list was published in 1996 and the recent revision with 348 medicines was published in 2011 after 8 years. Health expenditure is less in India as compared to developed countries. India faces a major challenge in providing access to medicines for its 1.2 billion people by focusing on providing essential medicines. In the future, countries will face challenges in selecting high-cost medicines for oncology, orphan diseases and other conditions. There is a need to develop strategies to improve affordable access to essential medicines under the current health care reform.
authors: Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, Mohali, Punjab, India.
authors: Dipika
authors: D
authors: Bansal
authors: Vilok K
authors: VK
authors: Purohit
keywords: Accessibility; India; essential medicines; health expenditures
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