From: Suwarin_CHATURAPIT@hsa.gov.sg
[mailto:Suwarin_CHATURAPIT@hsa.gov.sg]
Sent: Friday, 27 July 2001 07:57
To: hogerzeilh@who.int
Subject: WHO Paper on " Updating and Disseminating WHO Model List of
Essential Drugs "


To:  WHO Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy Unit
     Attn: Dr Hans V Hogerzell

From:     Director, Centre for Pharmaceutical Administration
     Health Sciences Authority
     Singapore
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
CPA 60:01/1


25 July 2001


Dr Hans V. Hogerzell
Policy, Access and Rational Use
Essential Drug and Medicines Policy Unit
World Health Organization
CH-1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland

Dear Dr Hogerzell

Re: WHO Discussion Paper " Updating and Disseminating the WHO Model List of
Essential Drugs "

I refer to the discussion paper " Updating and Disseminating the WHO Model
List of Essential Drugs " which has been forwarded to the Ministry of
Health, Singapore for comments.

The concept of  Essential Drugs has helped member countries to channel the
limited health care resources to drugs which are beneficial and needed by
the majority of the population. We welcome the recommendations made by the
Expert Committee to further strengthen the process used in the selection of
WHO essential drugs. The recommendations which aim to establish a " Model
Process " and increase transparency of the selection process will enhance
the national capabilities and knowledge of member states to select drugs
which are most appropriate for their national drug lists.

We also welcome the initiative to publish the electronic copy of WHO
Essential Drug List in addition to the hard copy.


Yours sincerely


Dr John C W LIM
Director
Centre for Pharmaceutical Administration
Health Sciences Authority
Singapore