In our ongoing commitment to equitable healthcare, ensuring access to essential medicines remains a top priority. This report outlines our efforts in aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to optimize the availability and accessibility of vital essential medicine.
Essential medicines are fundamental to primary healthcare, addressing the urgent needs of the population. Through adherence to standardized National Essential Medicines Lists (NEMLs), we streamline procurement and distribution processes, thus effectively managing healthcare costs.
National Essential Drug List (NEDL) of Pakistan, developed in accordance with WHO guidelines, undergoes regular reviews to stay abreast of evolving healthcare needs. The current list, last updated in 2021, encompasses 266 items tailored for different healthcare levels by the department of health, Government of Balochistan.
Procurement, distribution efficient logistics systems play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective provision of essential medicine. By employing comprehensive procurement procedures, we strive to meet demand while considering district-specific disease burdens and consumption patterns.
Challenges: Limited healthcare funding poses significant challenges in meeting the escalating demand for essential medicine. Despite the steady rise in demand, financial constraints necessitate a balanced approach to drug policy formulation to ensure sustainable provision.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, PPHI-B adopted a phased approach due to notifying the essential medicine by (MSD) in phase July 2023 and December 2023 to procuring essential medicine, incorporating items for mental health and non-communicable diseases. This approach reflects our commitment to responsive healthcare provisioning within budgetary constraints. Access to essential medicine is fundamental to addressing healthcare disparities. Through strategic procurement, distribution, and policy adaptation, we aim to bridge the gap between demand and supply, ensuring equitable healthcare access for all segments of society.