The Essential Drug Programme has led to the implementation of Rational Use of Drugs Programme in Delhi and other states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The programme aims at changing the procurement system of medicines, more efficient distribution of medicines and rational prescribing and availability of essential drugs in government hospitals. Doctors are also given courses in rational prescribing, so that unnecessary drugs are not prescribed or a more expensive drug when a cheaper one would have the same effect.

Resource persons from the Delhi Society of Rational Use of Drugs in the city include Dr R.R.Chaudhary, president of the Delhi Society for the Promotion of the Rational Use of Drugs, Dr Usha Gupta from Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, Dr J.S.Bapna, director Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Delhi, R.Parameswar, chairman of the Special Purchase Committee for the procurement of drugs required by government hospitals in Delhi.