The Supreme Court has issued a very strong comment regarding the prices of expensive cancer drugs. The Supreme Court stated that some cancer drug manufacturers are selling them to retailers for just ₹2,700, while the same drugs are being printed with an MRP of up to ₹27,000. The court described this as “broad daylight robbery” of patients and stated that the case involves not only the exploitation of patients but also massive loot through government schemes like Ayushman Bharat. Ultimately, this is paid for with the country’s taxpayers’ money.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the price difference, in which a drug sold by the manufacturer to retailers for ₹2,700 is shown to have an MRP of up to ₹27,000. The court stated that it is incomprehensible how such a huge difference can exist between the actual selling price and the MRP of the same drug. The court strongly commented on this issue, saying, “This is pure plunder and daylight robbery of patients. How can an MRP of ₹27,000 be printed on the package of a drug that the manufacturer sells for ₹2,700?”
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also referred to government health schemes like Ayushman Bharat. The court stated that in such cases, hospitals purchase medicines at the MRP or higher and later receive payment from the government. This means that a large portion of the money spent on medicines ultimately comes from the government treasury, which represents the money of millions of taxpayers. The court clearly stated that this issue is not limited to patients alone, but also involves the use of public funds.
The Supreme Court also questioned the role of regulatory bodies and officials in this entire matter. The court observed that those who should adjudicate such matters and monitor prices appear to be silent. The court made a scathing remark, stating that the reasons for this silence need not be elaborated upon. This observation is being widely discussed.
This case relates to a petition filed by Dr. Sanjay Kulshrestha, a senior physician from Agra. The petition alleges that many pharmaceutical companies deliberately inflate the prices of medicines. It also alleges that substantial profits are made by maintaining a significant difference between the actual selling price and the MRP printed on the package. The petitioner has requested the Supreme Court’s intervention to investigate the drug pricing system and issue guidelines in the interest of patients. During the hearing, the Supreme Court stated that, based on the available facts, this appears to be a case of fraud. However, the court has not yet given any final decision and the hearing of the case is ongoing. At present, the Supreme Court’s comment has once again raised big questions regarding the system of fixing the prices of medicines, the financial burden on patients and the billions of rupees spent under government health schemes.