The Gujarat government has expanded its Essential Drug List (EDL) for 2025–26 by adding 150 new medicines after reviewing the existing list. The move aims to improve access to free treatment across public healthcare facilities in the state.
With the revision, the total number of medicines, surgical items, and diagnostic supplies available under the EDL has increased to 1,479, compared to 1,386 items in 2024–25.
Annual Review Leads to Additions and Removals
The Gujarat Medical Services Corporation Limited (GMSCL) conducted the review after assessing the medicines currently being used in government healthcare facilities.
As part of the process, authorities added 150 new medicines to the list. At the same time, they removed 57 medicines that were considered unnecessary or outdated after the review.
Medicines Supplied Across All Public Healthcare Levels
According to Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, the medicines included in the Essential Drug List will be supplied across all levels of the public healthcare system.
These include primary health centres in rural and urban areas, district hospitals, and hospitals attached to medical colleges. As a result, patients visiting government healthcare facilities will continue to receive these medicines free of cost.
“The best possible treatment and quality medicines for every patient in the state is our priority,” Pansheriya said.
He further added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the government considers it a moral responsibility to ensure that quality healthcare services reach even the most remote parts of the state.
Distribution Across Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Care
The revised list categorises medicines according to the level of healthcare services provided.
As reported by NDTV, the updated EDL includes 378 medicines for primary-level care, which are commonly used at primary health centres and community health facilities. Additionally, 628 medicines are allocated for secondary-level healthcare services provided at district hospitals and other intermediate facilities.
Meanwhile, the tertiary-level list contains 1,475 medicines used for specialised and advanced treatments at major hospitals and medical colleges.
Increase in Medicines for Key Disease Categories
The revision has also expanded the number of medicines available for several important disease categories.
For instance, anti-infective medicines have increased from 202 to 216, while respiratory medicines have risen from 29 to 40. Similarly, the number of eye medicines has grown from 51 to 58, and gastrointestinal medicines have increased from 52 to 56.
In addition, the number of medical devices included in the list has increased from 287 to 349, further strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
Expanded Coverage for Critical Illnesses
The updated Essential Drug List also includes medicines for several critical illnesses. These comprise 116 medicines for heart diseases, 56 for cancer, 75 for neurological disorders, and 43 for mental health conditions.
Through these additions, the government aims to ensure that patients receive comprehensive and up-to-date treatment across government hospitals.
Ensuring Updated and Effective Treatment
According to Pansheriya, the government revises the Essential Drug List every year to ensure that procurement and supply systems remain aligned with evolving medical needs.
The annual update also helps government hospitals provide modern, effective, and accessible treatment to patients across Gujarat’s public healthcare network.