New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS): The number of essential drugs that the Delhi government provides free of cost to people is now more than 400, said an official Saturday.

"The earlier list has been revised and the number of essential drugs is now more than 400," Delhi Health Services Director N.V. Kamat told IANS.

Essential drugs are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. They are selected with due regard to public health relevance, evidence on safety and comparative cost-effectiveness.

"The new updated list will be provided to all government hospitals. It includes all drugs ranging from antibiotics, vaccines, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and many more," added Kamat.

The list would be released by next week.

The process of hiring permanent radiologists has been initiated through the Union Public Service Commission to ease the process of scanning and ultra sound in government hospitals.

"At present, temporary radiologists are working in hospitals. They are paid Rs.1,000 for two hours during which they are required to handle 20 cases," he said.