The minimum a health system, though resource-constrained, should make universally accessible.

- The Essential Package contains the concepts for safe and effective provision of essential palliative care and pain relief interventions to alleviate physical and psychological symptoms, including the medicines and equipment that can be safely prescribed or administered in a primary care setting.
- It is designed to be lowest cost by including only off-patent formulations, economical needed equipment, and an operational model based on competencies rather than professions.

The Lancet Commission calls on all countries to ensure universal access, with financial risk protection, to the Essential Package by 2030.

See reference for more information.

Adapted from Knaul FM et al. Alleviating the access abyss in palliative care and pain relief—an imperative of universal health coverage: the Lancet Commission report. Internet. Accessed on January 27, 2017.