The cost of drugs in our country is getting out of hand. Many people now have to choose between food and life-saving medication. The drug price hike is not only hitting the low-income groups hard but also impacting the middle income families. Napa is one of the most consumed drugs in the country but the price of a 60-millilitre bottle has increased by 75 per cent to Tk 35 from Tk 20. The prices of some other medicines have also doubled. The Directorate General of Drug Administration, or DGDA, has reportedly increased the prices of 53 types of essential medicine of 20 generics at rates ranging from 5.0 per cent to 100 per cent.
Bangladesh has high prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular ailments, diabetes and hypertension. Millions of people suffer from these common health issues and have to take lifesaving drugs regularly. If they start avoiding these drugs due to high prices, it will eventually lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The government must intervene in this regard so that everyone can avail medicines at reasonable prices.
Badsha Faysal,
Jurain, Dhaka,
badshafaysal1998@gmail.com