Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment - WHOCC

- To organize training courses in the ATC/DDD methodology and to lecture such
courses and seminars organized by others.
- To provide technical support to countries in setting up their national medicines
classification systems and build capacity in the use of medicines consumption
information.
2. WHO International Working Group for Drug Statistics Methodology
In 1996, when the decision on globalizing the ATC/DDD system was taken, the
WHO Division of Drug Management and Policies established the WHO
International Working Group for Drug Statistics Methodology. The International
Working Group comprises 12 members drawn from the WHO Expert Advisory
Panels for Drug Evaluation and for Drug Policies and Management. The
International Working Group members are selected by WHO Headquarters to
represent a wide range of geographical and professional backgrounds, including
clinical pharmacology, clinical medicine, international public health, drug
utilization and drug regulation. The members of the International Working Group
represent different users of the ATC/DDD system and different nationalities as they
represent the 6 WHO global regions. The WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug
Statistics Methodology receives expert advice from the Working Group.
The main terms of reference of the Working Group are:
- To continue the scientific development of the ATC/DDD system.
- To discuss and approve all new ATC codes, DDD assignments and alterations to
existing ATC codes and DDDs.
- To develop further the use of the ATC/DDD system as an international standard
for drug utilization studies.
- To revise as necessary the guidelines for assignment and change of ATC codes
and DDDs.
- To revise as necessary the procedures for applications for assignment of and
changes to ATC codes and DDDs to ensure they are consistent and transparent.
- To assess the sources and availability of statistics on drug use internationally, and
to encourage the systematic collection of comprehensive drug use statistics in all
countries and regions using the ATC/DDD system as the international standard.
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