NHRC takes cognizance of reports about price hike of medicines

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today issued notices to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Union Ministry of Commerce and Fertilizers and National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority over reports of hike in the prices of cardiovascular and anti-diabetes drugs.
"The Commission has taken a suo-motu cognizance of a media report alleging that withdrawal of an order by the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) which may lead to arbitrary hike in the prices of 108 cardiovascular and anti-diabetes drugs.
"Such a decision may amount to violation or denial of right to health to poor and marginalized citizens of the country," the Commission said.

The NHRC has sought a report from the concerned authorities in the matter within six weeks.
Reportedly, the NPPA withdrew its May 29, 2014 guidelines on September 22, 2014 which were meant for putting a cap on the prices of 108 cardiovascular and anti-diabetes drugs to insulate them from arbitrary hikes through market mechanisms. The decision to do so followed an order dated September 19, 2014 of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP).
This does not present any robust logic for doing away with a policy that was aimed at easing access of common man to medicines.
While issuing the notices, the Commission has also observed that the availability of essential drugs at reasonable prices is extremely important for fullest enjoyment of right to health by the citizens of the country, especially the poor and the marginalized.

Withdrawal of the guidelines dated May 29, 2014 is likely to impinge upon the access of common man to health and medicare.