Since the publication of the first list of World Health Organization (WHO)'s essential medicines, in 1977, this one and some health institutions around the world have encouraged the importance of promoting policies of essential medicines for health services. Despite the undeniable contribution to the promotion of rational use of medicines, the implementation of committees that manage the deployment of lists of essential medicines is still a challenge for managers of the Brazilian health system (SUS). This study aimed to use a management tool proposed by economist Carlos Matus to overcome the difficulties of implementing pharmacy and therapeutic committees in hospital services of Sergipe, State of Brazil. To do it, the research team conducted with the stakeholders of the implementation of the Situational Strategic Planning (PES) through explanatory, normative, strategic and tactical-operational moments. It was observed that the PES method is characterized as a recommended tool for the implementation of fundamental activities of of essential medicines' selection, in this study, grouped into three general objectives achieved: 1) the regulation of flows and procedures for selecting medication, 2) the organization of pharmacy and therapeutic committees, and 3) the preparation of lists of essential medicines.
selection of medicines; assessment of health services; rational drug use; situational strategic planning
