[e-drug] News item from The Hindu from 50 years ago (2)

["Mira Desai" <desaimirak@yahoo.co.in>]

E-DRUG: News item from The Hindu from 50 years ago (2)
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dear E-druggers,

The news in Hindu 50 yrs ago gives a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow. Joy, to note about the sensible minister, concern for public health with a vision and solution. And sorrow to note that even after 50 years the country is facing same problem, in fact the situation is bad. However, in these 50 years, there are several health/drug action forums, non profit organizations, professional bodies who discuss these issues on cost of medicines, drug promotion, advertisements etc. at length with little implementation. 

The drug formulary is difficult to locate, still inadequate, not as per VEN analysis. We still do not have a formulary like BNF for reliable, independent, unbiased information. The drug policy is pro-industry and anti-people. Although the pharmaceutical industry has flourished, access to essential medicines is not regular, and only to < 35% of Indian population. Deregulation of drug prices has contributed to increasing costs of healthcare. Even the vital-life saving medicines including ORS is not under price control. If Government can workout and cut down telephone tariff, electricity rates why not the medicines?

Even after 50 years, the country has progressed and achieved in terms of technology, biomedical research, consumer awareness, but not with respect to availability, affordability of medicines and attitude of policy makers.

regards

Dr Mira Desai
Professor of Pharmacology
B J Medical College, Ahmedabad
India
desaimirak@yahoo.co.in