Chemists take steps to cut medicine costs in Maharashtra

PUNE: Increasing accessibility to quality medicine at affordable rates is relevant and the state government will support it, said state food and drug minister Girish Bapat.
He was speaking at the launch of Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggist Association’s (MSCDA) drug division, Quality Medicine at Affordable Prices (QMAP), in Pune on Sunday. The effort will provide medicines at affordable prices to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
Currently, 23 medicines primarily catering to these diseases will be provided at 40 to 50% discount under this initiative. Select medicines will be made available at four medical stores in Dhankawdi, Balajinagar, Bibvewadi and Sahakarnagar in Pune and later expanded to other areas.
“Such an initiative will help a large number of people and increase accessibility of medicines in chronic illnesses. Our government is committed to the support of such a socially relevant initiative,” Bapat said.
Jagannath Shinde, chairman of MSCDA, said, “Diabetes, hypertension are rising and they lead to increase in cases of kidney failure as well. Expenses involved in treating them are high and we have decided to bring down the cost of medicines.”
Senior physician D B Kadam, head of the medicine department at B J Medical College attached to Sassoon General Hospital, said modern lifestyle has undergone unhealthy changes causing hypertension and diabetes at an early age. “Medicines in hypertension and diabetes need to be taken daily and over a long period. Hence, bringing down the cost of such medicines will help patients,” he added.