Policy, Access and Rational Use (PAR): Main challenges and strategic direction
1: National medicine policies
National medicine policies define national goals and objectives for the pharmaceutical sector, set priorities between sometimes conflicting national objectives, and identify the strategies needed to meet those objectives.
PAR will continue to define and disseminate policy guidelines. Pilot studies to refine and update them will focus on indicators, rights-based approach to access, and good governance.
2: Selection of essential medicines, rational use
Irrational use of medicines results in widespread health hazards and economic waste. WHO's evidence-based Model List of Essential Medicines, linked to all WHO's clinical practice guidelines, is a unique source of independent information to identify priorities for training, use, supply and reimbursement.
PAR will continue to update and disseminate the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the Model Formulary and the web-based WHO Essential Medicines Library; and will assist other departments in developing evidence-based clinical guidelines. Rational use work will focus on responsible drug promotion, independent medicine information, adherence to chronic treatment (especially HIV/AIDS) and containment of antimicrobial resistance.
3: Supply systems, affordable prices, sustainable financing
Failures in the supply system and unaffordable medicines limit access to essential medicines in resource-poor settings. Out-of-pocket payments discriminate against women, children and the poor. Prepayment and insurance schemes are an effective but insufficiently used.
PAR will identify the best supply practices, with attention for demand forecasting and chronic diseases (HIV/AIDS, diabetes). PAR will also expand work in price monitoring systems, pricing policies, health insurance and rational use based on reimbursement records.
4: Evidence for medicines policy
WHO policies, norms, standards, guidelines and training materials are widely used by Member States, other organizations and all other stakeholders. Updating and disseminating information in all official languages remains a challenge.
PAR and QSM will maintain a strong focus on evidence-based policies, norms, standards and resource materials, which are truly global in representation and relevance. Documents and periodicals will continue to be published in hard copy and increasingly in electronic format (web-based and CD-ROM) to ensure the widest possible dissemination and use.
4: Evidence for medicines policy
WHO policies, norms, standards, guidelines and training materials are widely used by Member States, other organizations and all other stakeholders. Updating and disseminating information in all official languages remains a challenge.
PAR and QSM will maintain a strong focus on evidence-based policies, norms, standards and resource materials, which are truly global in representation and relevance. Documents and periodicals will continue to be published in hard copy and increasingly in electronic format (web-based and CD-ROM) to ensure the widest possible dissemination and use.