[india-drug] Medication Out of reach of people (2)

["HINDU PHARMACY" <pharmhin@sancharnet.in>]

Medication Out of reach of people (2)
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Dear Dr. Dabade,

I would like add a little more to what you have correctly laid down:

Running a very large pharmacy (stocking around 15000 brands generally prescribed in our surrounding) in Goa, I would like to say that:

1. Amongst the regular pharma companies that we stock, there is only ONE preparation of Ferrous Sulphate + Folic Acid, that too in capsule form (150 mg + 0.5 mg). Cost - Rs. 2.44 per cap 

2. There is ONE preparation of Fe Fumarate + Folic Acid (200mg + 1.5 mg). Cost Rs. 1.30 per tab.

3. Rest are different Ferric salts, carbonyl iron, and combinations with vitamins, etc. with prices Rs. 2 upwards...

4. A new concept introduced few years ago, is of Iron (III) Hydroxide polymaltose tablets/cap 100 
mg of Fe + FA 0.5 mg. Cost - Rs. 5 plus...per tab/cap.

5. A preparation of Ferrous Ascorbate (equiv to 100mg Fe) + FA 1.5 mg - Rs. 6.25 per tab.

6. We happen to stock one Generic preparation of Fe Fumarate (200mg) tab mfg by J & J DeChane 
company, which costs 10 paise per tab. This we use when the doctor does not specify a brand on 
the prescription, just write Fe (e.g. in the Public hospitals). I gave these same ones to my wife 7 years ago in her pregnancy, and we had no problems.

7. We would be happy to stock Ferrous Sulphate Tablets (with or without FA), if available, and 
cheap enough for the public. We do not know which reliable company manufactures it. Does anyone know?

Thank you
With regards

Raj Vaidya, M.Pharm
Community Pharmacist
Hindu Pharmacy
Panaji - Goa
Email: hindupharmacy@gmail.com