WHO Good Pharma Procurement guide

The World Health Organization has published its new OperationalPrinciples for Good Pharmaceutical Procurement which are, it says, aimed at helping national governments, donor agencies and other organizations involved in drug procurement to obtain lower prices, better quality and more reliable delivery of essential drugs.

Grouped into four categories, the 12 Principles contained within the guide cover: transparent management; selection and quantification; financing and competition; and supplier selection and quality assurance. As well as advising on best procurement practices, the publication is intended for use in the training of staff responsible for drug procurement.

The guide is produced by the Interagency Pharmaceutical Coordination Group, which consists of the pharmaceutical advisers of the United Nations Industrial, Cultural and Educational Fund, the UN Fund for Population Activities, the World Bank and the WHO.