Pramesh S Jain
Karnataka’s findings on excessive pricing prompt Centre to act;U.T.Khader’s campaign against pharmaceutical profiteering gains momentum
In a significant move aimed at curbing excessive pricing of cancer medicines,the Union Government has capped trade margins on cancer drugs at 30% of their price, following Karnataka’s campaign against pharmaceutical profiteering led by former Health Minister U.T. Khader, according to a statement.
Khader and the Karnataka Health Department had highlighted the wide disparity between the manufacturing costs and retail prices of cancer medicines, exposing instances of drugs being sold at 10 to 52 times their original cost.
About a month ago,Khader had cited examples of medicines costing ₹86 being sold for ₹4,528, drugs costing ₹160 being priced at ₹7,110,and medicines costing ₹118 being sold for ₹4,416.
The findings highlighted the financial burden imposed on cancer patients and the need for urgent regulatory intervention.
Khader had written to Union Health Minister J.P.Nadda, urging the Centre to take stringent measures to curb excessive pricing and ensure transparency in landing costs and selling prices in hospitals.
The issue had also drawn judicial attention, with the Kerala High Court expressing concern over the high prices of patented cancer medicines and the Supreme Court questioning the Centre over escalating drug prices.
Khader had called for strengthening the powers of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), which regulates prices of specified medicines, to enable more comprehensive intervention against excessive pricing.
The Centre’s reported decision to restrict trade margins to 30% is being seen as a significant policy intervention in the fight against pharmaceutical profiteering.
Karnataka’s investigation and sustained campaign have brought renewed attention to the need for affordable cancer treatment and greater transparency in medicine pricing.
The move is expected to provide relief to cancer patients,although its actual impact will depend on the scope of medicines covered and the implementation of the pricing restrictions.
