The government has reconstituted the 24-member National Drug Advisory Council (NDAC) to strengthen the implementation of the National Drug Policy and enhance policy guidance for Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector, with the State Minister for Health, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), and the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) added as new members.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently issued a fresh notification in this regard, cancelling its earlier gazette dated 21 June that had constituted a 22-member council. The new order has taken immediate effect.
Under the revised structure, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare will serve as Chairperson of the council, while the Secretary of the ministry will act as Member Secretary. The National Drug Advisory Council will meet at least twice a year, with provisions for additional meetings when necessary and the co-option of expert members.
According to the notification, the National Drug Advisory Council includes the State Minister for Health, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Health Affairs, the Executive Chairman of BIDA, the Chairman of the NBR, the Secretary of the Finance Division, the Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, and the secretaries of the ministries responsible for Food, Industries, Science and Technology, Power, Fisheries and Livestock, and Commerce.
Other members include the Directors General of the Directorate General of Drug Administration and the Department of Livestock Services, the Vice-Chancellors of Bangladesh Medical University and Bangladesh Agricultural University, the Secretary of the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh, the Chairpersons of the Pharmacy and Chemistry departments at the University of Dhaka, 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.
The government said the council will advise on the implementation of the National Drug Policy, the development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the production and supply of medicines in line with national demand, and the preparation and biennial revision of the Essential Medicines List.
The advisory body will also provide policy recommendations on the import, production and export of medicines and pharmaceutical raw materials, promote coordination among relevant government agencies and institutions, and offer strategic guidance during emergencies requiring policy intervention.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
