The Gujarat government has increased its Essential Drug List (EDL) for 2025–26 by incorporating 150 medicines after a thorough review. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of free treatment in public healthcare facilities across the state. State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya revealed that the updated list now comprises 1,479 essential medicines, including surgical items and diagnostic supplies, provided at no cost to patients through the public health system.
The previous list for 2024–25 included 1,386 medicines, indicating a significant expansion in the latest revision. The Gujarat Medical Services Corporation Limited (GMSCL) conducted the review to assess the medicines currently utilized in government facilities. As part of this process, 150 new medicines were added, while 57 deemed unnecessary were eliminated from the list.
Pansheriya emphasized that the essential medicines listed in the EDL are distributed across all public healthcare facilities, from primary health centers in rural and urban areas to district hospitals and medical college-affiliated hospitals. He stated that ensuring top-notch treatment and quality medicines for every patient in the state is a top priority. The state government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, views it as a moral obligation to guarantee that quality healthcare services reach every individual in the state.
The state government revises the Essential Drug List annually to guide the procurement and distribution of medicines in government hospitals. Medicines and surgical items listed are provided free of charge through public health institutions at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The updated EDL includes 378 medicines for primary-level care, 628 for secondary-level healthcare services, and 1,475 for specialized and advanced medical treatment at larger hospitals.
