The government has reduced the prices of 33 essential drugs -- including nine types of tablets, capsules, saline, and injections -- by up to 50 per cent, a move expected to save Tk 1.16 billion under the state-run Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) of the Ministry of Health.
EDCL Managing Director Samad Mridha announced the price cuts at a press conference in the city on Wednesday, adding that adherence to the new guidelines could allow further reductions in most medicine prices within six months.
He said production has increased by around Tk 590 million after curbing mismanagement, breaking syndicates, and laying off 700 unnecessary employees. "A more transparent tender process for raw materials has also reduced costs, saving about Tk 180 million per month."
EDCL plans to further expand production in its own factories, phase out toll manufacturing, and raise government supply from 70 per cent to 90 per cent.
The company has started producing third-generation contraceptive pills and commissioned an IV fluid plant, which can produce normal saline and cholera saline within 10-15 days to meet government demand.
"Efforts are underway to align production with World Health Organization standards and government requirements," Samad Mridha said. "This will enable EDCL to quickly produce essential medicines and gradually meet the government's full needs."
EDCL, the sole government pharmaceutical manufacturer supplying essential medicines to public hospitals, faced major challenges under the previous administration, which have now been addressed through efficient operations and transparent procurement.
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