In the process of selecting drugs for inclusion into the essential drug list, the panelists recognized that there are some drugs that may be needed in special circumstances but do not meet the Essential Drugs Criteria. These secondary schedule drugs (previously referred to as “non-schedule” drugs) would be selected on an as-needed basis.

The following criteria were set as a guideline for selecting such medicines:

a) These drugs should have a special therapeutic advantage over those in the Kenya Essential Drugs List.

b) These drugs may be availed to those institutions that have specialized medical personnel.

c) These should be drugs for special care and which require close monitoring by the experts.

d) When choosing these drugs, the choice between them should be made on the basis of careful evaluation, putting into consideration price, relative efficacy, safety and quality. Also, some aspects of the essential drugs selection criteria may apply.