The government has issued a notification cancelling the 2026 essential medicines list and the allopathic drug pricing method, following a cabinet decision. The notification was issued on 16 August by the Drug Administration branch of the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and was signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Rafiquzzaman.

The two cancelled notifications had been issued on 22 January and published in the gazette on 29 January. The cabinet decided to revoke them at its 3 August meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Cabinet Division said the National Drug Advisory Council had not been consulted before the measures were formulated, despite a requirement under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2023.

The legality of the January list and pricing method was challenged before the High Court and remains under consideration. A National Drug Advisory Council was formed on 29 June, and the cabinet approved a proposal to include the director general of the Directorate General of Health Services in it. The 1994 essential medicines list and government pricing system will remain in force while the list is updated.