WHO supports Bangladesh in Updating National Essential Medicines List - A key step towards affordable healthcare for all

WHO is supporting Bangladesh in updating its National Essential Medicines List (NEML)—a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to essential medicines, a fundamental component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). According to WHO, Essential Medicines are those that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of a population, selected based on disease prevalence, public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and cost-effectiveness. Globally, over 150 countries have national essential medicines lists based on the WHO Model List which serve as basis for procurement and supply of medicines in the public sector, reimbursement and insurance schemes, medicine donations and local medicine production. To guide this process, a two-day national stakeholder consultation workshop was held on 27–28 August 2025 in Dhaka, bringing together over 100 clinicians, pharmacists, academics, and policymakers. Participants provided technical inputs to ensure that the updated list reflects the country’s disease burden, national treatment guidelines, and priority health needs. The last update to the NEML was 2016.

Chief Guest- Prof. Sayedur Rahman, the Hon’ble Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor

The inaugural event was presided over by Professor Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh; Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Jafor, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services; and Prof. Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and Chairperson of the NEML Taskforce.

In his address, Prof. Sayedur Rahman emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all essential medicines are available and affordable for the population, with a focus on sustainability and future growth. He also expressed appreciation to WHO Bangladesh for its technical support in updating the NEML.

Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative delivering his remarks.

The WHO representative to Bangladesh, Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, stated: “The essential Medicines List is more than just a compilation of medicines; it is a national policy tool that serves as a catalyst for tangible health gains, stronger PHC, and meaningful progress toward UHC in Bangladesh. WHO stands ready to provide technical guidance throughout the process.”

The inaugural session featured two keynotes’ presentations by WHO international experts Prof. Krisantha Weerausuriya. Prof Krisantha delivered a presentation on ‘Medicines and Universal Health Coverage wherein he mentioned “for Bangladesh – UHC is a long and difficult journey, but the journey has begun.” Ms. Kin Ujin shared country experiences along with WHO methodologies and recommendations on medicines pricing.

WHO expert (Prof Krisantha Weerasuriya) making a presentation on Essential medicines concept during the workshop.

Clinicians and Pharmacists reviewing draft NEML during group discussions.

"After nine years, healthcare professionals from across the country convened to update the NEML. This time, the draft list has been developed with a strong focus on Bangladesh’s current disease burden, as well as the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of medicines. 'We hope this revised list will play a vital role in strengthening health services and advancing universal health coverage for the people of Bangladesh,” said one of the workshop participants.

Regional Advisor Kim Uhjin discussing on the medicine pricing methodologies

Guided by the WHO’s expert, Prof. Krisantha Weerasuriya and his team, participants in the workshop actively reviewed therapeutic categories, debated priorities, and aligned the draft list with the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Group leads presented their proposals, providing justifications for the recommended additions and revisions. The consultation further emphasized the importance of aligning medicine availability of PHC strengthening and UHC goals. The NEML update is being led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is overseen by the National task force on NEML, constituted by the Ministry. Once finalized, the updated National Essential Medicines List 2025 will serve as a foundational tool for public procurement, supply chain management, and the development of clinical practice guidelines across health facilities in Bangladesh.

For more information about publication, please get in touch with Salma Sultana, NPO – Communication and Media, WHO Bangladesh, e-mail ssultana@who.int