Bangladesh Health Watch criticises cancellation of essential medicines list

Bangladesh Health Watch (BHW) today expressed concern over the government’s decision to cancel the Essential Medicines List 2026 and the Medicine Pricing Method 2026.

In a press release, the civil society body called on the government to update the list and determine medicine prices through a transparent and scientific process, with effective advice and participation from the National Drug Advisory Council.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Rather than placing an additional financial burden on the public, BHW said, fair competition, accessibility and protection of public health should form the foundation of the country’s drug policy.

The interim government in January 2026 updated the essential medicines list, adding 135 medicines to raise the total to 295. However, on August 3, the cabinet approved a proposal to cancel the list and pricing method. The Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare subsequently issued a notification on August 16.

Since the updated list and pricing method were formulated without the advice of the National Drug Advisory Council, their legality has been challenged through a writ petition filed in the High Court, which is currently under judicial consideration.

BHW stressed that while the matter remains before the court, the government must prioritise maximum transparency, stakeholder input and public interest in determining the medicine list and pricing.

It added that any narrowing of the list must consider disease patterns, public health needs, purchasing power and physicians’ practical requirements. The pricing of 739 medicines, as directed by the High Court, also needs proper implementation.