The Selection and Use of Essential Medicines (2009) - TRS 958

Overview

The 17^th meeting of the WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines was held in Geneva from 23rd to 27th March 2009. The meeting was opened on behalf of the Director-General by Dr Hans V. Hogerzeil, Director of the Department of Essential Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policies (EMP). He stated that WHO’s medicine programme and the recommendations of its Expert Committee played an important role in the context of supporting access to primary care and championing the use of evidence-based medicine, which have been identified by the Director-General as priority areas for WHO. He noted that this would be the fifth meeting of the Expert Committee operating under the procedures approved in 2002 and that the early posting of most documents on the web site, together with the rounds of review and comments prior to the meeting ensured transparency of the process. Dr Hogerzeil also briefly explained some aspects of the Committee procedures. He stated that the Committee is not a representative one; all members participate in their own personal capacity and are not allowed to take instructions from any government or any other authority.