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The National Essential Drugs List (NEDL) is a government-mandated list of medicines identified as safe, effective, and cost-efficient to address the priority healthcare needs of the population in Bangladesh.
Aligned with the principles of the World Health Organization, the NEDL serves as a key Regulatory instrument overseen by the Directorate General of Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
In recent years, the list has expanded to include a broader range of essential medicines, strengthening access to critical treatments across the country. Its role is twofold:
- Guiding procurement across public healthcare institutions
- Supporting drug pricing regulation
For medicines included in the NEDL, the DGDA regulates the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) in line with national pricing policies. This helps ensure affordability and limits excessive price variation for essential treatments.
Additionally, the policy framework emphasizes the availability and consistent supply of these medicines, encouraging manufacturers to prioritize essential drugs within their portfolios.
Overall, the NEDL serves as a critical price benchmark and plays a central role in supporting Bangladesh’s public health system.
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