Gujarat Doubles Free Medicines in Government Hospitals by Expanding Drug List

Gujarat has doubled the number of free medicines and surgical items in government hospitals from 717 to 1,479 by adding 150 new drugs to its Essential Drugs List. This expansion aims to improve access to treatment for patients in rural and urban areas, especially economically weaker sections. The list now includes medicines for major and long-term illnesses such as heart diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions, available at primary health centres, civil hospitals, and medical college hospitals across the state.