Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. These medicines are selected with due regard to disease dominance, evidence on efficiency and safety, and relative cost‐effectiveness. Also these medicines are intended to be available within the context of functioning health care systems at all times, in sufficient amounts, in the required dosage forms, with assured quality, and at a price affordable by the individuals and the community.

This Essential Medicine List has been formulated based on discussions held with doctors and specialists of major health discipline and in consultation with WHO consultants and Pharmaceutical Board. Every drug in this list is classified according to the category of medical officer or healthcare provider allowed to prescribe it...