SC Questions 10x Markup on Cancer Drug, Seeks 16% Cap
The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns over the wide gap between medicine prices and their printed retail rates. The matter came up during a hearing on September 29-30.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta questioned how a cancer medicine supplied to retailers at around Rs 2,700 could carry a maximum retail price of Rs 27,000. That is a ten-fold difference.
The court asked the Centre to examine a proposal for a uniform 16 per cent margin over the Price to Retailer for all medicines. Under the current drug price control order, a 16 per cent retailer margin applies only to 388 scheduled essential drugs.
The bench also questioned why some corporate hospitals require patients to buy medicines from their own or designated pharmacies. “Corporate hospitals are industries. It is not a service at all,” the bench observed.
The solicitor general sought time for consultations. The matter is listed for further hearing on October 12.
Related stories
View all →
Passenger gets Rs 1.06 lakh for COVID-era flight cancellation
A passenger won Rs 1.06 lakh compensation for a COVID-era flight cancellation. What the ruling means for old refund claims.
Kerala influencer booked under POCSO for assault on boy
Thrissur West police have booked a woman social media influencer under the POCSO Act over alleged assault of an 11-year-old boy.
Goa Police file unnatural death case in Nana Patekar death
Goa Police have registered an unnatural death case under Section 194 BNSS after Nana Patekar was brought dead to a Bambolim hospital.
Khabar 24h Editorial Desk — our explainers are prepared by the Khabar 24h editorial team using AI-assisted research tools, and every piece is reviewed by a human editor before publishing. We do not claim original reporting: our work is turning complex topics into simple, accurate summaries. Spotted an error? Write to contact@khabar24h.com — our corrections policy aims for same-day review.
More from this author →
Leave a Reply