The WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines are updated every two years by the Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.

New Additions to EML

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease and obesity.
• Rapid-acting insulin analogues: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

Significance: Reduce high cost of these drug and out of pocket expenditure ultimately increasing access to such drugs.

About Diabetes and Obesity

• Diabetes occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
  • Global: Over 800 million people (2022), projected to exceed 1.3 billion (2050).
  • India: 77 million people above the age of 18 years-Diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are prediabetics.
• Obesity is defined by excessive fat deposits leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease etc. 
  • Global: More than doubling since 1990, and now affecting more than 1 billion. 
  • India: 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are obese. (National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21)).