From: TAN_Shook_Fong@moh.gov.sg [mailto:TAN_Shook_Fong@moh.gov.sg]
Sent: Friday, 3 August 2001 10:54
To: hogerzeilh@who.int
Subject: Revised procedures for updating the WHO Model List of Essential
Drugs 


Dear Sir.

     I agree to the proposals made to the Revised Procedures for Updating
the WHO Model List of Essential Drugs.

I wish to further suggest that  :

(a)   The complementary list be drawn for diseases not only seen in
undeveloped countries but also in developing countries for more effective
use of the WHO Model List of Essential Drugs.

(b)   Recommendations should come from both WHO experts and applicants.


Specific Comments

Reference to Recommendation No. 6 - the inclusion of Patient advocacy
groups may lead to heavy weightage on one side.  This should be balanced
with other inputs.

Reference to Recommendation No. 7 - for 'deletions',  careful consideration
must be made that the drug is no longer relevant in any member state.

Reference to Recommendation No. 14 - the expert committee may have to
decide what cost unit to take as reference because drug costs differ in
different countries.

Regards
Mrs Tan Shook Fong
Chief Pharmacist
Ministry of Health
Singapore