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The Bangladesh cabinet on Monday approved a proposal to repeal the Essential Medicines List 2026 and the Medicines Pricing Method 2026, citing procedural irregularities in their formulation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2023.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting after authorities found that the National Drug Advisory Council, whose consultation is mandatory under the law, had not been involved in preparing the list and pricing mechanism.
The issue is also under judicial review following a writ petition filed with the High Court challenging the legality of the 2026 framework.
As a result, the 1994 Essential Medicines List and the existing government-controlled pricing mechanism for essential drugs will remain in effect until a revised framework is prepared.
The government said a new essential medicines list and pricing system will be formulated through the National Drug Advisory Council, which was reconstituted on June 29, to ensure affordable drug prices while maintaining fair market competition.