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Equitable access to essential medicines : a framework for collective action

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)
March 2004

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Equitable and universal access to essential medicines is a vital aspect of any health strategy in resource-limited settings. This document provides a framework of action for policy makers, highlighting the key objectives of successful essential drugs programmes: rational selection and use of essential medicines; affordable prices; sustainable financing; reliable supply systems

Drug and therapeutics committees : a practical guide

HOLLOWAY, Kathleen
GREEN, Terry
2003

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This guide provides guidance to doctors, pharmacists, hospital managers and other professionals who may be serving on Drug and Therapeutics Committees (DTCs) and/or who are concerned with how to improve the quality and cost efficiency of therapeutic care. It is relevant for all kinds of DTCs - whether in public or private hospitals and whether at district or tertiary referral level. This manual covers a committee's functions and structure, the medicines formulary process, and how to assess new medicines. The chapters on tools to investigate drug use and strategies to promote rational use are followed by a discussion of antimicrobial resistance and infection control. The publication concludes by explaining in detail how to start a committee or improve the effectiveness of an existing one

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