The government has reconstituted the National Drug Advisory Council, expanding its role in advising on the implementation of the National Drug Policy, development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry, preparation of the essential medicines list, and policies related to drug imports and exports.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a gazette notification on Monday, reconstituting the council under Section 13 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2023.
The health and family welfare minister will chair the council, while the secretary of the Health Services Division will serve as member secretary.
The council includes the state minister for health, the chief adviser's special assistant on health, the executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), the finance secretary, the chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), secretaries of relevant ministries, the director general of the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), the director general of the Department of Livestock Services, representatives from academia, and the presidents of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) and the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Society.
According to the notification, the council will advise the government on implementing the National Drug Policy and recommend measures to strengthen the local pharmaceutical industry to ensure an adequate supply of medicines.
It will also recommend the preparation and revision of the national list of essential medicines, covering allopathic, Ayurvedic, Unani, homeopathic, biochemical, herbal and veterinary medicines. The list will be updated every two years.
The council's mandate also includes making recommendations on the import, production and export of medicines and pharmaceutical raw materials, while coordinating the activities of ministries, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders involved in the pharmaceutical sector. It may also advise the government on any urgent issue related to medicines when required.
The notification said the council will meet at least twice a year, with additional meetings to be held if necessary. It may also co-opt members when needed.
The notification also cancelled an earlier gazette issued by the Cabinet Division on 21 June 2026. The new order took immediate effect.
National Drug Advisory Council / Goverment / health
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