Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader has lauded the Central Government's recent decision to cap trade margins on 137 cancer drugs, a move anticipated to significantly reduce prices for patients across the country. Speaking from Mangaluru, Khader expressed his satisfaction, stating that the measure addresses a critical challenge faced by individuals battling cancer and their families, who often grapple with the prohibitive cost of essential medications.
The minister highlighted that the Karnataka State Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously identified substantial price discrepancies among cancer drugs from 254 manufacturing companies. The FDA's review revealed that medicines produced at lower costs were reaching consumers at inflated Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs), imposing a severe financial burden on patients. Responding to these findings, Khader had instructed FDA officials to investigate these price variations and take appropriate action. He also ensured the issue was escalated to central authorities, including the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
Khader recalled his previous public statements on the matter, including a press briefing at Arogya Soudha in Bengaluru on September 9, where he emphasized the urgent need for cancer drug price control and urged the Central Government to intervene. He acknowledged the media's crucial role in fostering public discussion on drug affordability, alongside a significant Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court, which brought the issue of price disparities to the judiciary's attention.
The Central Government's subsequent action, implemented by the NPPA, will impose a maximum 30% trade margin on 137 specific cancer medications. This regulatory step aims to ensure that life-saving drugs become more accessible. According to available information, the new reduced prices are slated to take effect from November 9, promising considerable relief to patients.
Khader reiterated his vision for affordable healthcare, hoping that families would no longer need to sell assets or incur heavy debt for cancer treatment. He stressed that making vital medicines available at reasonable rates is a primary responsibility of the healthcare system. The minister expressed confidence that this price control measure would benefit patients not only in Karnataka but nationwide. He further called for continuous, coordinated efforts between state and central governments to ensure transparency in drug pricing and alleviate unnecessary financial strain on patients.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK