Union Health Ministry releases NLEM 2022, 34 drugs added, 26 removed
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday released the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022 . The new list comprises of 384 drugs across 27 therapeutic categories.
With the new list of essential medicines (also called scheduled drugs) out, several essential medicines are set to get cheaper in India. These include medicines like anti diabetes drug insulin glargine, anti TB drug delamanid, ivermectin and antiparasite.
Commenting on NLEM 2022, Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance said, " The pharmaceutical industry in India is a strategic sector that is recognised around the world for providing affordable and high-quality medicines. The NLEM 2022 is the result of extensive consultation with all stakeholders in healthcare, including experts in the field. This list strives to strike a balance between patient centricity, public health concerns, future policy direction and thrust, going forward. Antimicrobial resistance is a critical issue, and the NLEM 2022 has attempted to address it."
Speaking on the occasion, Union Health Minister stated that the primary purpose of NLEM is to promote rational use of medicines considering the three important aspects i.e., cost, safety and efficacy. It also helps in optimum utilization of healthcare resources and budget; drug procurement policies, health insurance; improving prescribing habits; medical education and training for UG/PG; and drafting pharmaceutical policies. In NLEM, the medicines are categorized based on level of healthcare system as- P- Primary; S- Secondary and T- Tertiary.
He elaborated that the concept is based on the premise that a limited list of carefully selected medicines will improve quality of health care, provide cost-effective health care and better management of medicines. He added that the NLEM is a dynamic document and is revised on a regular basis considering the changing public health priorities as well as advancement in pharmaceutical knowledge. The National List of Essential Medicines was first formulated in 1996 and it was revised thrice earlier in 2003, 2011, and 2015.
"The independent Standing National Committee on Medicines (SNCM) was constituted by Union Health Ministry in 2018. The Committee after detailed consultation with experts and stakeholders has revised the NLEM, 2015 and submitted its report on NLEM, 2022 to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Government of India has accepted the recommendations of the Committee and adopted the list", he stated. He also noted that the process of creation of NLEM depends on the feedback backed by scientific sources from stakeholders and inclusion/exclusion principle followed.
While congratulating the stakeholders for the revised NLEM which takes the country forward in the direction of provisioning of affordable healthcare to its citizens, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State stressed on enhancing awareness regarding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) which "is emerging as a big challenge for our scientists and community and we need to create awareness in the society about AMR".
NLEM 2022 can be accessed here:
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.