Asian Journal Of Social Pharmacy

Objective To study the selection criteria of essential medicines of World Health Organization (WHO) and to provide reference for further improving the scientific level of the selection of essential medicines in China. Methods The concept and selection criteria of essential medicines of the WHO from 1977 to 2023 were comprehensively analyzed through literature research. Results and Conclusion Five versions of the concept of essential medicines (1977, 1982, 1999, 2001 and 2002) and five versions of selection criteria (1977, 1982, 1993, 1999 and 2002) were released by WHO. Through these iterations, the content has undergone consolidation and updating. After 2007, four functional working groups were established by WHO, which reviewed and formulated selection criteria for pediatric medicines, antibiotic and cancer medicines respectively. China should have the selection criteria of essential medicines according to the national conditions and referring to the experience of WHO.