The expert committee of the World Health Organisation that looked into the current list of essential medicines (WHO Model List of Essential Medicines) has recommended a review on 33 drugs that are included in the current version of the Model List.

The existing essential drugs that could be reviewed for possible deletion during the next meeting of the expert committee are: ether, codeine, colchicines, clonazepam, niclosamide, pyrantel, triclabendazole, oxamniquine, imipenem/cilastatin, nalidixic acid, spectinomycin, levofloxacin, thioacetazone/isoniazid, diethyltoluamide, ergotamine, polygeline, Factor IX and factor VIII, isoprenaline, procainamide, quinidine, nifedepine, topical sun protection agent, local anaesthetic/astringent ointment, atropine, medroxyprogesteron acetate, silver nitrate eye solution, ergometrine, salbutamol, aminophylline, cromoglicic acid, theophylline, calcium gluconate and sodium fluoride.

The list, which has been updated every two years since 1977, was last revised in April 2003. It contains 315 active substances which include 12 ARVs and over 60 other essential medicines for HIV-related care, including drugs against opportunistic infections.

The Committee had in its April 2003 report recommended that these items be marked in the list with the following footnote: "The efficacy and safety of this item or group has been questioned and its continued inclusion on the list will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Expert Committee".