Congress MP Manickam Tagore Raises Concerns Over Medicine Price Hike
In New Delhi, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority’s (NPPA) decision to increase the prices of essential medicines by 50%. Tagore emphasized the burden this places on families needing affordable medications for conditions like asthma and tuberculosis.
Call for Transparency
Tagore urged the government to explain the ‘extraordinary circumstances’ cited for the price hike. He stressed the need for transparency in decision-making to maintain public trust.
Impact on Patients
The price increase affects drugs critical for treating asthma, tuberculosis, bipolar disorder, and glaucoma. Tagore highlighted the financial challenges patients face, which could worsen with higher drug costs.
Proposal for Review Committee
Tagore proposed an independent review committee to assess the impact on patients and healthcare providers. This committee could help ensure future pricing policies balance public health needs and industry viability.
Background on NPPA Decision
In October, the NPPA approved a 50% price increase for essential drugs, citing public health needs. Rising costs of ingredients and production were factors in this decision, with some companies considering discontinuing certain formulations due to unsustainable costs.
Doubts Revealed
Congress MP -: A Congress MP is a Member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress party, which is one of the major political parties in India.
Manickam Tagore -: Manickam Tagore is a politician from the Indian National Congress party and serves as a Member of Parliament in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the current Prime Minister of India, leading the government and making important decisions for the country.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority -: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is a government agency in India that controls and regulates the prices of medicines to ensure they are affordable for everyone.
Medicine Price Hike -: A medicine price hike means that the cost of medicines has increased, making it more expensive for people to buy the medicines they need.
Asthma and Tuberculosis -: Asthma is a condition that makes it hard to breathe, and tuberculosis is a serious infection that affects the lungs. Both require medicines for treatment.
Transparency -: Transparency means being open and clear about decisions and actions, so people can understand why certain choices are made.
Independent Review Committee -: An independent review committee is a group of experts who are not influenced by others, and they examine and give advice on important issues to ensure fairness.
