The general objective of the workshop was to promote appropriate and rational use of essential medicines. The specific objectives were to:

1. Update participants on the techniques of selection of Essential Medicines
2. Introduce participants to the recent work on the Paediatric Essential Medicines List
3. Prepare an outline of country workplans in Essential Medicines.

Clinicians, pharmacists and medical administrators from all 11 Member States of the South-East Asia Region attended the workshop which coincided with the thirtieth anniversary of the publication of the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.