The Hindu Business Line : Price cut in medicines

This refers to "Diabetes segment may see price cut in drugs, insulin" (Business Line, March 28). A section of the diabetic patients, who use Glimpid, may get a retrieve on the `unprecedented drop' of its price, amounting to more than 70 per cent.

Ranbaxy must be congratulated for taking care of the diabetic patients across the country, who may number millions. Once an `aristocratic' disease, diabetes is now a killer disease of the mankind, spread across all sections of the society, rich or poor. The high cost of medicines and insulin have made the lives of diabetics really miserable.

Many pharma companies should emulate the model set by Ranbaxy and come forward for the humane care of diabetes patients. Human insulin, which is relatively costlier, should be reasonably priced.

The proposed competitively priced brand of the product of Biocon to hit the market soon would be a relief. It may be hoped that all the brands of insulin may see a downward revision of prices.

Along with diabetes remedies, the pharma companies should consider other fast spreading slow killer diseases, such as lipid profile variations and respiratory problems and bring financial relief to patients by way of price cuts.

The government should come forward to allow concessions to such companies which are prepared to slash the costs of the life saving drugs.

C. P. Velayudhan Nair

Kochi

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: bleditor@thehindu.co.in

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