Daijiworld Media Network - Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar, Mar 5: The Gujarat government has expanded its Essential Drug List (EDL) for 2025–26 by adding 150 medicines to improve access to free treatment across public healthcare facilities.
State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya announced that the revised list now contains 1,479 essential medicines, including surgical items and diagnostic supplies, which will be provided free of cost through the state’s public health system. The list previously included 1,386 medicines in 2024–25.
The update was carried out by Gujarat Medical Services Corporation Limited (GMSCL) after reviewing medicines currently used in government hospitals. During the revision, 150 new medicines were added while 57 drugs considered unnecessary were removed.
According to the minister, medicines listed in the EDL are supplied across all public healthcare facilities, from primary health centres in rural and urban areas to district hospitals and medical college hospitals.
“Our priority is to ensure the best possible treatment and quality medicines for every patient in the state,” Pansheriya said, adding that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the government considers it a responsibility to deliver quality healthcare to every citizen.
The Essential Drug List is revised annually to guide the procurement and distribution of medicines across government hospitals. All medicines and surgical items listed are provided free of cost at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions.
Under the revised list, 378 medicines are designated for primary-level care and 628 for secondary-level healthcare services, while 1,475 medicines are available for specialised treatment at tertiary hospitals.
The update has also increased the number of medicines available for several disease categories. Anti-infective medicines have risen from 202 to 216, respiratory medicines from 29 to 40, eye medicines from 51 to 58, and gastrointestinal medicines from 52 to 56. The number of medical devices has also increased from 287 to 349.
The list now includes medicines for several major illnesses, including 116 drugs for heart diseases, 56 for cancer, 75 for neurological disorders and 43 for mental health conditions.
Pansheriya said the annual revision ensures the healthcare system remains updated and enables patients to access modern and effective treatment through government hospitals.