As a response to the need for a group of independent people to expound the cause of rational use of drugs, the Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD) was formed in 1996. An agenda, consisting of drug policy, selection of essential drugs, formulary, standard treatment guidelines, transparent process for procurement, distribution of drugs, training, research and introduction of rational prescribing practices, was developed and tested in the Delhi Government health sector. 

Taking into account the success of the Delhi Program, the World Health Organization Essential Drugs and Medicines Program provided technical and financial help to the Society to strengthen its activities in the Delhi state and also to expand its activities to other states.