Drug issues
Monday, 11 August 2008
IT is necessary for the government to regulate drug prices. The companies, in free market system, may be allowed to set drug prices but they should be obliged to do so -- reasonably and ethically -- in order to ensure that such prices are consistent with actual production and other costs. The concerned department of the government should have the powers to conduct regular investigations to confirm that the prices set by the companies are reasonable. If not, the companies should be asked to rationally revise prices downward.
Proper quality control of drugs manufactured by local companies has become a concern. The relevant government departments should extensively monitor the production processes of the local drug companies and strengthen their capacities for doing so. The quality control is also important in the backdrop of these companies gradually finding an export market for their products. If for these reasons the companies acquire a bad name abroad, it would be a damper for export growth in a prospective field. Quality control of the local drug companies must be ensured to safeguard the interest of local consumers as well as to promote export.
Reaz Rahman
Eskaton, Dhaka.
Proper quality control of drugs manufactured by local companies has become a concern. The relevant government departments should extensively monitor the production processes of the local drug companies and strengthen their capacities for doing so. The quality control is also important in the backdrop of these companies gradually finding an export market for their products. If for these reasons the companies acquire a bad name abroad, it would be a damper for export growth in a prospective field. Quality control of the local drug companies must be ensured to safeguard the interest of local consumers as well as to promote export.
Reaz Rahman
Eskaton, Dhaka.