Gujarat updates: Gujarat’s public healthcare has received a shot in the arm, as the Bhupendra Patel-led government has added 150 new medicines to its Essential Drugs List (EDL), consequently doubling the number of drugs and surgical items available free of cost at state-run hospitals over the past two years. The total number of free medicines and surgical items available at the government healthcare facilities in the state has now risen to 1,479 from 717, projecting towards broader treatment options for the patients. 

BJP’s chief spokesperson reacts

Anil Patel, the Chief spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat, commented on the development, saying that the state health department’s revision has expanded the range of medicines available to patients for free. He added that the initiative is part of the state government’s aim to ramp up access to healthcare services for urban and rural area’s residents. 

Initiative aims to ensure EWS patients receive necessary treatment

Officials said that the medicines and surgical items listed under the EDL will be available for free at the state’s primary health centres, civil hospitals and hospitals attached to government medical colleges. Patel said that the initiative’s goal is to ensure that economically weaker sections of the society are not deprived of necessary treatment, and receive the same without facing financial pressure. 

Focus laid on major and long-term ailments

The expanded list includes medicines utilised for treating serious and long-term ailments such as heart diseases, neurological disorders, cancer and mental health diseases. According to Patel, the list also includes anti-infective drugs, medical devices and respiratory medicines, which shall strengthen treatment facilities in public hospitals. While concluding his statements, he underlined that the state’s health department reviews the drugs formulary every year to ensure that it remains aligned with evolving medical requirements and advances in healthcare.