Total 26 drug names were dropped by the Union Health Ministry when the revised list of National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) was released, which includes ranitidine and other meds were given when treating stomach disorders.

These 26 Drugs From National List of Essential Medicines Are Dropped

Govt Dropped 26 Drugs From The List of Essential Medicines

The Union Health Ministry has dropped 26 drugs from the list of essentials, that also includes Ranitidine, which earlier in 2020 was also recalled by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after finding the presence of low-level N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Indian Journal of Pharmacology, during a study, revealed that N-Nitrosamines are linked to “stomach, oesophagus, nasopharynx, and bladder cancers.”

Which Drugs Are Added To The NLEM?

Anti-infective drugs like, “ivermectin, mupirocin and nicotine replacement therapy”, related 34 names drugs have been added to the list of NLEM or National List of Essential Medicines.

Moreover, “Endocrine medicines and contraceptives fludrocortisone, ormeloxifene, insulin glargine and teneligliptin”, had also been added to the list, as per PTI.

Reading further, Montelukast prevents respiratory problems like wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by asthma. Latanoprost, which is an ophthalmological drug and Dabigatran and Tenecteplase, both cardiovascular drugs, of them are also included in the list, as per PTI.

Another news which has provided relief to the pockets of common men is that the Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has capped the price of commonly used drugs. “ Some antibiotics, vaccines and anti-cancer drugs would now be more affordable and accessible”, he said.

“The National List of Essential Medicines is being published today. Based on that… the National Pharma Pricing Authority will set its ceiling price… it is also based on this that it is decided no company increases price (of essential medicines) on its own,” he informed with relation to revised NLEM.

“It’s a very long process. All the work is done by an independent committee. Interacted with more than 350 experts and 140 consultations”, he further asserted.