WHO guideline on balanced national controlled medicines policies to ensure medical access and safety

Abstract

The purpose of this guideline is to assist WHO Member States and their partners in developing and implementing balanced national controlled medicines policies to ensure their accessibility, availability and affordability for medical and scientific uses and to minimize the risk of harm arising from non-medical use. The guideline addresses policies for groups (of all ages, from neonates through to older people) affected by conditions in which use of controlled medicines is deemed to be medically appropriate according to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.