Cabinet Cancels 2026 Drug List; Promises Fair Prices for All
The Cabinet has canceled the Essential Drugs List 2026. It also scrapped the Drug Price Determination Method 2026. This important decision was made on Monday afternoon. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat.
This move aims to ensure safe and affordable medicines for everyone. The government stated its commitment in a press release. The main reason for canceling the 2026 list was a legal requirement. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2023 says the National Drug Advisory Council must be consulted. This step was not followed when the 2026 list was made.
The Essential Drugs List 2026 was created in January 2026. It was made by the interim government at that time. However, the National Drug Advisory Council was not asked for its opinion. A legal challenge against these plans is now under review in the High Court.
The National Drug Advisory Council was officially formed on June 29. This council follows the rules of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2023. The Cabinet also approved including the Director General of health services in this council. This will help guide future drug policies.
Even with the cancellation, an older system remains. The Essential Drugs List from 1994 is still valid. Its government pricing system for medicines will also continue. The government plans to update this older list soon. They want to set drug prices fairly. This means prices should not be an extra burden for people. They also want to keep healthy competition in the market.
Zakir Hossain welcomed the Cabinet’s decision. He is the former Secretary General of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries. Mr. Hossain said the drug industry had faced a slow period for nearly two years. He believes this decision will solve the problem. It will bring stability back to the market. He hopes all legal issues will now be resolved.
