Bangladesh Health Watch criticises cancellation of essential medicines list
Civil society body calls for transparency, fair pricing and public health focus
Bangladesh Health Watch (BHW) has voiced its worries over the government's decision to scrap the Essential Medicines List 2026 and the Medicine Pricing Method 2026. In a press statement, the non-governmental organization urged the administration to revise the list and set prices for medicines through a clear and scientific method, incorporating a robust approach from the National Drug Advisory Council.
Rather than imposing extra financial pressure on the public, BHW argued that fair competition, affordability, and safeguarding public health should be the cornerstones of the nation's drug policy. In January 2026, the interim government revised the essential medicines list, adding 135 medicines to increase the total to 295. However, a cabinet meeting on August 3 approved a proposal to annul the list and pricing method.
A notification on August 16 from the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare followed suit. As the updated list and pricing method were formulated in the absence of the National Drug Advisory Council's input, their legitimacy has been questioned through a writ petition filed in the High Court and is presently under judicial review.
BHW emphasized that while the issue remains before the court, the government should prioritize maximum transparency, stakeholder participation, and public interest when determining the medicine list and pricing. It added that any reduction in the list must take into account disease patterns, public health requirements, purchasing power, and doctors' practical needs. The pricing of 739 medicines, as directed by the High Court, also necessitates proper execution.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Star BD Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
