It is frustrating that amidst serious financial hardships faced by ordinary people due to the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, businessmen and pharmacists are arbitrarily raising prices of life-saving drugs. This is akin to adding insult to injury when consumers are already paying exorbitant prices.
Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions, are highly prevalent in Bangladesh. These common health issues affect millions of people, requiring daily doses of life-saving medication. The steep cost of these medications may force people to discontinue their treatment, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, the Directorate General of Drug Administration must implement necessary measures to ensure that medicine prices remain affordable for the general public. The government should consider providing subsidies to curb further hikes in medicine prices.
Pharmaceutical companies have raised the prices of commonly prescribed medicines by up to 75 per cent, exacerbating the plight of consumers already struggling with the price hikes of essentials. The exorbitant prices of medicines are disproportionately affecting poor patients, making their lives increasingly difficult.
Despite out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure in Bangladesh being one of the highest in the region, the government, policymakers, and regulators are not taking sufficient action to alleviate citizens' suffering. It is high time for the government and all relevant stakeholders to address this issue and intensify efforts to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all.
Apurba Das
Student, Faujdarhat Cadet College
Chattogram
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