New Delhi: Congress MP Manickam Tagore wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising concerns over the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority's (NPPA) recent decision to increase the prices of essential medicines by 50 per cent.
In his letter to PM Modi, Tagore highlighted the strain this hike places on millions of families who rely on affordable medications for conditions like asthma, tuberculosis, and other chronic illnesses.
"I urge the government to provide a more detailed explanation of the extraordinary circumstances that necessitated this price hike," Tagore mentioned in the letter.
Adjustment on 8 drugs
The NPPA cited "extraordinary circumstances" and "public interest" as reasons for this significant price adjustment on eight widely used drugs. However, Tagore stressed the need for a clearer explanation and greater transparency in the decision-making process.
"While I understand that the government cited 'extraordinary circumstances' and 'public interest' as reasons for this increase, I believe it is crucial to clarify the rationale behind such a significant decision," he wrote in his letter to the Prime Minister.
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Price hike affects medications
Tagore pointed out that this price hike affects medications critical for treating asthma, tuberculosis, bipolar disorder, and glaucoma--conditions that impact millions across India. "Many patients and their families already face financial challenges in accessing necessary treatments.
A sudden increase in drug prices could place an additional burden on these individuals, potentially compromising their health outcomes," he added.
Additionally, to address the impact of this price hike, Tagore proposed setting up an independent review committee that would assess the true effect on patients and healthcare providers.
Independent review committee
The Congress MP said, "I propose the establishment of an independent review committee to assess the real impact of this increase on patients and healthcare providers."
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He also added that this committee could make recommendations to ensure future pricing policies consider public health needs alongside industry viability.
Increase in ceiling price
Earlier in October this year, the NPPA approved a 50 per cent increase in the ceiling prices of eleven essential scheduled formulations of eight drugs, aiming to ensure continued availability for public health needs.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the decision was made on October 8, during a full Authority meeting, utilizing the extraordinary powers granted under Para 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. (with Agency inputs)
