Cabinet moves to withdraw 2 scrapping 2026 Essential Drug List, Pricing framework

Cabinet has approved a proposal to withdraw the 2026 Essential Medicines List and the Drug Pricing Methodology 2026, paving the way for a fresh framework for selecting essential medicines and setting their prices.

The decision was taken at a recent Cabinet meeting following concerns that the 2026 list was prepared without complying with a legal requirement under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2023.

Under the law, the National Drug Advisory Council must be consulted before an essential medicines list is finalised. The 2026 list, however, was prepared without seeking the council’s advice.

The list and pricing methodology were introduced in January during the interim government’s tenure. Their legality was later challenged in the High Court, where the matter remains pending.

Meanwhile, the government formed a new National Drug Advisory Council on June 29 in accordance with the 2023 law. The Cabinet has also approved a proposal to include the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on the council.

The government will now prepare a new essential medicines list after consulting the relevant stakeholders and develop a revised mechanism for determining drug prices.

The withdrawal of the 2026 framework will not leave the market without an essential medicines list. The list introduced under a 1994 Health and Family Welfare Ministry order will remain in force for the time being, along with the existing government pricing mechanism for medicines covered by it.

The government plans to update the essential medicines list soon and establish a pricing system aimed at keeping medicines affordable while ensuring fair competition in the pharmaceutical market.

Former secretary general of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, Zakir Hossain, welcomed the decision, saying it could help resolve prolonged uncertainty in the drug market and provide greater clarity for pharmaceutical businesses.