Essential Medicines and Pharmacy Services

Cure rates for children with cancer in resource-rich countries are in the order of 80 %, but for children living in low- and middle income countries (LMICs) such success has yet to be realized. The cost of drugs, in particular antineoplastics, remains a significant barrier to equitable access to cure for children (and adults) living in LMICs. The development of the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines and the Model Formulary for Children are sentinel achievements in providing governments and nongovernmental organizations with useful tools upon which to base national drug policy. The establishment of the WHO Pre-qualification Program seeks to address issues related to drug quality. Despite this, counterfeiting, theft and the reselling of drugs on the black market remain significant issues. Pharmacists are vital members of the multidisciplinary health care team participating in the care of the cancer patient. Having a dedicated pharmacy/dispensary for oncology and well-trained pharmacists can reduce the costs of drugs through elimination of waste, while addressing occupational health and safety, and improving clinical outcomes by contributing to patient care and education.