The essential drugs in Tanzania: a ten year (1979-1988) review following the Alma Ata declaration
Kasilo, O.J.; Mwaluko, G.M.
East African Medical Journal 69(5): 288-293
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 1644050 Document Number: 395799
In this paper the essential drugs concept/policy/lists (EDLs) particularly in Tanzania, has been reviewed. In Tanzania, 1974 was the beginning of national expression for the need of an essential drugs/policy/list. It is noted that while the primary health care workers are knowledgeable of EDLs, the secondary and tertiary workers need to be trained. There must be a decision that such a list must now be used nationally by all the health institutions. The Tanzania pharmaceutical manufacturing companies must be given national backing to release the country from the chronic habit of relying on imported drugs. The Ministry of Health (MOH) should follow the World Health Organization's (WHO) example of regular and constant review of the EDLs in updating its own lists. An assessment should be made of the essential drugs list system in terms of the content versus disease pattern in various region of the country.