Objective To compare the 2009 edition national essential medicine list (part of basic medicine and heath institution ) in China and WHO model list of essential medicines for children update in 2010, so as to provide the evidence for model list of essential medicines for children of China. Methods We compared the diference in composition of content, the categories, speciic drugs, formulation, and introduction and sign of list by descriptive analysis. Results (1) WHO model list of essential medicines for children were comprised with core and complimentary lists, which were not in the 2009 edition national essential medicine list of China; (2) The 2009 edition essential medicine lists of China included 20 categories in WHO model list of essential medicines for children ,while lacked of antineoplastic agents, blood products, disinfectants, peritoneal dialysis luid and speciic medicines for neonatal care; (3) he average conincidence rate with WHO model list of essential medicines for children of the same drugs was 52.61%. here were 15 categories in the interval of 20%-80%, which accounted for 75%. he average conincidence rate with 2009 edition national essential medicine list of China was 44.19%. here were 11 categories in the interval of 20%-50%,which accounted for 55%. the same drugs of regulate water, electrolyte and acid-base balance in the two list accounted for more than 80% of WHO model list of essential medicines for children. Drugs of ear, nose and throat were totally diferent. (4) he 2009 edition essential medicine list of China didn’t have speciication and sign of drug for children, age limitation, instruction of list, suitable drug formulations for children such as suspension, syrup, drops, granules, scored tablets, etc. Conclusion 2009 edition national essential medicine list of China can’t meet the demand of children. WHO model list of essential medicines for children which bases on global burden of disease, can not be copied into China. We suggest to reference fromWHO model list of essential medicines for children to carry out selecting essential medicines for children in China, formulating essential medicine list for children in China which bases on burden of children disease and clinical demand in China to improve rationality of drugs in children.