Bangladesh’s Essential Drug Company Limited (EDCL), the country’s only government-run drug manufacturing company, is grappling with a shortage of medicines. Despite producing 137 types of medicines, EDCL supplies 72% of the demand to government hospitals nationwide. However, despite 60 years of operation, EDCL in Bogura has never achieved 100% supply. Hospitals are also restricted from procuring medicines externally without Essential Drug’s permission, further complicating matters.
The situation extends beyond Bogura, with rural upazilas receiving fewer medicines than district headquarters, worsening the shortage, especially during extreme weather conditions. Residents in Bogura town are dissatisfied with the hospital’s supply method, receiving medicines in installments, leading to incomplete fulfillment of demand. The Bogura Civil Surgeon claims there is a lack of comprehensive information on the medicine shortage in Bogura.