Overpriced medicines
The Supreme Court criticised the Centre for “massive difference” in the cost of medicines between the maximum retail price (MRP) and price to retailer (PTR). It asked if the Centre could provide “any justification for this loot” and if the manufacturers be allowed to “run amok” (NT October 28). The court asked why there could not be a uniform 16% margin on all medicines. It cited examples where Rs 15 (PTR) medicine carried an MRP of Rs 250. Ironically, the wife of a medical distributor paid Rs 1.30 lakh for an anti-cancer injection’s PTR of Rs 11,000. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is an independent body formed on August 29, 1997, to regulate pricing and ensure life-saving medicines remain available and affordable. The bench remarked that the NPPA appeared to be a “totally defunct” body. It said the government seemed to be helping the pharmaceutical companies. Kudos to the Centre for lowering MRPs of 1,085 anti-cancer medicines with 543 brands effective November 9, 2026. The trade/distributor/hospital markup margin is capped at 30% for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, 38% for about 75% drugs while some generic and biosimilar drugs have fallen by 50% to over 90%. People can check updated pricings at the NPPA website or the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application. The Centre estimates that the lowered prices will lead patients to annually save Rs 2,500 crore to Rs 3,500 crore and reduce treatment dropouts.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
World in turmoil
We have evolved from primitive ancestors into sophisticated beings, yet instead of using our capabilities to uplift humanity, we deploy them for destruction. The world is in turmoil, crying out for systemic change and a new peaceful order. Yet, genuine transformation remains impossible under our current mindset, where corruption and self-interest run endemic from the grassroots level to the highest seats of power. In India today, a hastily implemented SIR affecting every state and citizen has ignited widespread public agitation, triggering calls for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. All over the world, the youth are agitating for systemic transformation. While India currently maintains a relatively strong international standing, a critical question remains: Will India smell the coffee? Will its people rise to the occasion, leading this deep, urgently needed systemic change by example through peaceful and democratic means for the benefit of all humankind? How long can those who have not killed their conscience pretend not to see?
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Tsunami vigilance
Over the last century, 58 tsunamis have caused approximately 2,60,000 casualties. Dangerous increase in sea levels and population along the coastal region have converted several regions into “tsunami potentials”. Underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides can move across nations and continents, almost at a speed ranging from 500 km per hour to 800 km per hour, and to dangerous heights, often reaching 100 feet, resulting in unimaginable mass destructions. Since strong and long earthquakes are first signals of a possible tsunami, rushing vulnerable citizens to a higher ground, at least 100 feet above the sea level, is the first and the most important protection one can offer. One must always be prepared for tsunamis, remembering the lives lost and widespread destruction caused by the December 26, 2004, disaster. World Tsunami Awareness Day is on November 5.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Trump’s defeat
Rising living costs, economic uncertainty, controversial tariffs, immigration policies and America’s involvement in overseas conflicts may have contributed to the Republican losses in the Midterm election. President Donald Trump had projected confidence in his leadership and promised to restore America’s economic and global strength. However, voters appear to have judged his administration more by its impact on their everyday lives than by its political rhetoric. The Democratic gains could make it difficult for Trump to push his legislative agenda through Congress. Greater scrutiny of his administration, its spending priorities and foreign policy decisions is also likely. The outcome gives Democrats an opportunity to rebuild their credibility and present a convincing alternative before the next presidential election. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump’s good friend, the challenge will be to maintain a constructive relationship with Washington without compromising India’s strategic autonomy. Trump may become more unpredictable as domestic political pressures mount, while Democrats could seek to reassert congressional influence over American foreign policy. India must, therefore, avoid overdependence on any one political dispensation in Washington. The electoral verdict reinforces the need for a balanced, independent and pragmatic foreign policy.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
