Government to Set Prices for 295 Essential Medicines, Says Saidur Rahman

The government will set prices for 295 essential medicines, a decision that will have a significant impact on access to medications for the people of Bangladesh. Dr. Saidur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, confirmed this development during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on January 8, 2026.

Dr. Rahman explained that the government will determine the prices based on proposals from companies, reviewing them in light of international market trends through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). There will be separate categories for patented and off-patent drugs. The decision is expected to be implemented in the coming days, he added.

The establishment of a task force consisting of stakeholders involved in drug manufacturing and distribution has already been completed. The task force has worked towards addressing barriers to medicine access, and the Drug Price Authority will play a key role in implementing this plan, eventually evolving into an independent authority.

This move is expected to ease the challenges surrounding the accessibility of medicines and contribute to more affordable healthcare for the citizens.