“Doctors have been found prescribing expensive drugs, while the pharmacists also sell medicines that accrue more profits,” said DDA Director Radharaman Prasad, adding, “We are working to create uniformity in the price of some medicines to keep a tab on such practices.” [break]
Prasad said the new price determination will ensure affordability. He said the proposal was made in coordination with Price Monitoring Committee, which comprises representatives from the Ministry of Health and Population, National Consumer Forum and Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON).
“We will fix the price of medicines through common understanding. As we have a free market policy, we cannot compel the pharmaceutical companies to reduce the price of medicines.” he added.
Pharmacists get up to 250 percent profits on some drugs. “Manufacturers have increased the price of drugs to provide maximum profits to pharmacists, “said an inspector at DDA preferring anonymity.
Prasad hopes that they would soon reach an understanding with the drug manufacturers to create uniformity in the price of drugs.
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