Harish Rao, the Minister for Finance and Health in Telangana, recently criticized the Centre for the rise in drug prices. He specifically pointed out the Amrit Kal program, which was launched by the Central government in 2015 to provide affordable medicines to patients suffering from cancer and heart diseases.
According to Rao, the prices of drugs under the Amrit Kal program have increased by as much as 300% in the last few years. He also alleged that the Central government has not taken any steps to control the prices of drugs, despite repeated requests from various states.
The Amrit Kal program was launched with the aim of providing affordable and quality medicines to patients suffering from cancer and heart diseases. Under the program, the Central government procures drugs in bulk from pharmaceutical companies and distributes them to various government hospitals and healthcare centers across the country.
However, the recent increase in drug prices has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and patients alike. Many have criticized the Central government for not doing enough to control the prices of drugs and for failing to ensure that the benefits of the Amrit Kal program reach the intended beneficiaries.
There are several reasons why drug prices have increased under the Amrit Kal program. One of the main reasons is the increase in the cost of raw materials and manufacturing processes. This has led to an increase in the cost of production, which has been passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
Another reason for the increase in drug prices is the lack of competition in the pharmaceutical industry. Many pharmaceutical companies have a monopoly over certain drugs, which allows them to charge exorbitant prices without fear of competition.
To address these issues, the Central government needs to take concrete steps to control drug prices and ensure that patients have access to affordable medicines. This could include measures such as price regulation, encouraging competition in the pharmaceutical industry, and increasing investment in research and development.
In conclusion, Harish Rao’s criticism of the Centre for the rise in drug prices under the Amrit Kal program highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector. It is essential that the Central government takes steps to address the underlying issues that are driving up drug prices and ensure that patients have access to affordable and quality medicines.
