Many countries waste health resources by not systematically updating their essential medicines lists. Evidence-based reviews—like Uganda’s, which found savings from smarter diabetes drug choices—can improve access, equity, and health outcomes while freeing funds for broader care priorities
Many countries are missing out on significant health gains and budget savings by not regularly revising their essential medicines lists through evidence-based analysis. The World Health Organization (WHO) created the Essential Medicines List to help guide countries in providing necessary, effective, and affordable medicines for their populations. However, in practice, ministries often fail to update these lists systematically—favoring donor preferences or established supply chains over thorough, transparent reviews. This can force patients to pay out of pocket for medicines that should be available for free, such as in Uganda where diabetes patients face significant barriers.
A recent analysis shows that smarter choices—such as favoring older, WHO-recommended medications over expensive newer alternatives—could save millions and broaden access. Evidence-based review, accounting for cost, efficacy, availability, and accessibility, is rarely institutionalized but is crucial for optimizing limited health resources. The Ugandan case demonstrates how practical, data-driven changes to medicine selection can free up funds for broader healthcare improvements, offering a model for global policy reform. Making systematic, evidence-backed essential medicine list reviews the norm would help countries achieve more affordable, equitable, and effective universal health coverage
