The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Centre to regulate prices of life-saving drugs

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Sunday, Jun 07, 2009
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Kerala - Kochi

Centre to regulate prices of life-saving drugs

Staff Reporter

Thomas says there are complaints about exorbitant prices

Says government will scrutinise misleading medical advertisements
Claims National Food Security Act will benefit the poor

KOCHI: Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Food, and Civil Supplies K.V. Thomas has said that the Central government will consider regulating the prices of life-saving medicines.

Inaugurating a State meet and workshop for retail pharmacy owners, organised by the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA) here on Saturday, Prof. Thomas said there were widespread complaints about exorbitant prices of life-saving medicines and irregularities in their prescription.

Corrective measures

The government, he said, will examine these complaints and take necessary corrective measures.

Prof. Thomas said the government would closely scrutinise misleading advertisements of medical companies in the print and visual media and take stringent punitive measures.

The Minister said the Central government’s decision to enact a National Food Security Act was meant to take the fruits of development to the poor in the country.

The Act will benefit more than 12 crore people belonging to the BPL (below the poverty line) category. If the country has to move forward the benefits should reach people in the lowest strata.

Inaugurating a technical session organised in connection with the meet, Public Works Minister Mons Joseph said that medical companies should be able to uphold the trust of the Central and State governments.

Since the public is unable to judge the fairness or otherwise of medicines, the responsibility rests with governments and the medical companies.

M.P. Abdul Gafoor, president of the association, presided.

Classes held

Nearly 350 pharmacy owners attended the meeting. Professors and practising pharmacists from other States held classes on various subjects related to good pharmacy practice.

The AKCDA, with the active support of the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, is planning to set up drug banks in all district headquarters in the State, possibly with the cooperation of press clubs. A proposal to make available high-priced medicines used in treating cancer, kidney ailments, heart diseases, etc., to poor patients is also being considered.

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