Number comparison of medicines lists effective in the Republic of Tatarstan with the WHO model list of essential medicines: Do numbers matter?

A comparative analysis of positive medicines lists effective in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2009 was carried out to identify problems with development and functioning of 4 different lists. Comparison of listed medicine numbers revealed the extent of discrepancies requiring policy action. The discrepancies were uniform through the lists and reflected vulnerability to pharmaceutical promotion. It was concluded that development of national pharmaceutical policy was urgently needed to further implement the WHO Essential Medicines Concept.