The number of medicines and surgical items provided free of cost in government hospitals across Gujarat has doubled in the last two years, rising from 717 to 1,479 due to the addition of 150 new drugs to the state’s Essential Drugs List (EDL). State BJP chief spokesperson Dr. Anil Patel praised the state Health Department’s decision to expand the list, stating that it has significantly broadened the range of free medicines accessible to patients in government healthcare facilities.
This increase in the Essential Drugs List reflects the state government’s commitment to enhancing treatment accessibility for patients in rural and urban areas. The initiative ensures that essential medicines and surgical items listed in the EDL are accessible without charge at primary health centers, civil hospitals, and government medical college-affiliated hospitals across Gujarat.
Dr. Patel emphasized that this move aims to enable economically disadvantaged patients to receive treatment without financial burden. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s government is dedicated to providing quality healthcare services to villagers, the underprivileged, farmers, and the middle class.
The expanded list now includes medications for serious and chronic conditions, such as heart diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, and mental illnesses. This addition has alleviated financial pressures on middle-class and impoverished families seeking treatment for major illnesses. Dr. Patel highlighted the inclusion of more anti-infective drugs, respiratory medications, and medical devices, indicating the government’s focus on enhancing treatment facilities in public hospitals.
The state government’s commitment to offering modern and optimal treatment to patients is evident through the continuous review and updating of the drugs formulary by the health department to align with evolving medical needs. The annual review and adjustment of the drugs formulary to meet current medical requirements are commendable practices.
