1.3.1.1 The Ministry of Health shall compile a selected list of drugs to be known as the Essential Drug List (EDL) which shall include programme and specialist drugs.

1.3.1.2 Selection of drugs shall be by generic name or International Non-proprietary Name (INN) only.

1.3.1.3 When several drugs are available with the same indication, or when two or more drugs are therapeutically equivalent, the pharmaceutical product and dosage form that provides the most favourable benefit/risk ratio shall be selected.

1.3.1.4 Fixed ratio combinations shall be acceptable if one or more of the following criteria are met:

• The clinical condition justifies the use of more than one drug;
• The therapeutic effects of the combination is greater than the sum of effects of each drug;
• The cost of the combination product is less than the total cost of the individual products;
• The combination form improves compliance.

1.3.1.5 The EDL, containing all the drugs selected for use in the health sector shall be produced and distributed to all health institutions and health care providers. Drugs on the EDL shall be categorised according to the level of use.

1.3.1.6 The EDL shall be updated and published every two years.

1.3.1.7 Suggestions for amendments to the EDL shall be made in writing on a prescribed form to the Minister of Health, justifying each suggested amendment. New drugs shall only be introduced if they offer distinct advantages over existing drugs. If information on existing drugs shows they no longer have a favourable risk/benefit ratio, they shall be withdrawn and replaced with safer alternatives.