38 Additional National Essential Medicines Including Remdesivir Designated

[Photo by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety website] Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 2nd that it will expand the list of national essential medicines from the existing 403 to 441 by additionally designating medicines used for the treatment of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) or required for disaster response or emergency medical care.

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, a total of 38 medicines were added this time. These include ▲3 COVID-19 related medicines such as Remdesivir injection ▲31 disaster response and emergency medical care medicines such as epinephrine used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation ▲4 medicines recommended by related agencies including the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, such as pediatric anti-tuberculosis drugs.

The government continuously monitors the supply and demand situation of national essential medicines, and when shortages occur, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety actively implements supply stabilization measures such as approving special imports or commissioning domestic manufacturing.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "We plan to continue designating medicines that require urgent supply management as national essential medicines to secure treatment opportunities for patients," and added, "We will do our best to ensure the stable supply of medicines essential to public health."