Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) is a 100% state owned Pharmaceuticals Company in Bangladesh. In the year 1962 it was functioning under the then Central Government in the name & style of Government Pharmaceuticals Laboratory (GPL) and subsequently it was renamed as Pharmaceuticals Production Unit (PPU) in the year 1979. In the interest of Public Health & smooth running of the organization, it was registered as a Public Limited Company under the Company's Act-1994. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of Bangladesh is its controlling authority. It was established in 1983 with the main objective of setting up an advanced pharmaceuticals industry in the country for the local production of medicines and to supply these products inside the country for public health and for Export. EDCL has developed a strong position in Bangladesh in Govt. Sector and is well positioned to sustain its growth and have a sound platform to serve export markets. Presently authorized capital of EDCL is Tk.200.00 Crore and paid up capital 100.92 Crore Tk.10/=each per share. It's main objective is to manufacture quality drugs at an affordable price & supply to the Government Hospital and other Health Institutions. Since the inception of its production the company has been supplying Essential Drugs to the Government Hospitals, Civil Surgeon's Offices, Health Institutions of Government, Non-Government and International (Non-profit makings) Organizations like UNICEF, WHO, ICDDRB etc. At present the company has been producing various Drugs & Contraceptive product with a sales target of Taka 400.00 Crore in the Financial Year 2013-14, its present manpower is 5000.