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Doctors Demand Fairer Drug Pricing
11 Oct
Summary
- IMA seeks a uniform price policy for comparable quality medicines.
- Association calls for limiting trade margins to 30%.
- IMA urges stronger quality surveillance and pharmacist role.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Lucknow branch, has officially called for a "one drug, one price" policy. This initiative aims to standardize pricing for medicines that offer comparable quality. The association also proposed a strict limit, capping total trade margins at 30%.
IMA highlighted that price disparities in medicines can arise from various factors, including market competition, bulk purchasing, and shelf-life variations. They cautioned that price alone should not be the sole determinant of a drug's quality or authenticity. The association stressed the need for enhanced quality surveillance, including regular sample testing and supply chain monitoring.
Furthermore, the IMA seeks stricter action against medical store operators who engage in unauthorized diagnosis and treatment. They also called for enforcement against the sale of prescription drugs without valid prescriptions where required. The IMA underscored the importance of respecting the statutory role of registered pharmacists and effectively curbing unauthorized medical practices.
