'Daylight Robbery Of Patients': Supreme Court Slams 10-Fold Gap In Cancer Drug Prices

The Court expressed displeasure over the disparity in prices and described it as a serious issue affecting patients. Link - https://www.ndtv.com/health/daylight-robbery-of-patients-supreme-court-slams-10-fold-gap-in-cancer-drug-prices-12082098 The Court questioned the justification for printing such a high MRP.

The Supreme Court has taken a strong view of the large gap between the Price to Retailer (PTR) and the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of certain cancer medicines. During a hearing on a petition concerning drug prices, the court noted that some essential cancer drugs had an MRP of around Rs 27,000, while the same medicines were reportedly being sold to retailers for about Rs 2,700. The Court questioned how such a wide difference could exist between the price at which a medicine reaches a retailer and the price printed on its pack. The Court expressed displeasure over the disparity and described it as a serious issue affecting patients. It also observed that when medicines are provided through government health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, the cost may ultimately be borne through public funds. Hospitals purchase medicines and subsequently claim reimbursement from the government in eligible cases. The Court observed that this means that it is the taxpayers' money that is used in such cases. The matter came to light after a petition was filed by Dr Sanjay Kulshreshtha, who alleged that pharmaceutical companies deliberately inflate drug prices.

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