THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pharma companies will not be allowed to exploit patients by over-pricing medicines, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the Assembly on Wednesday. The health sector is where the public is exploited the most, the Chief Minister said. “In every home, there is at least one person who is on medication. We cannot let pharma companies rob us,’’ Chandy said. The participation of the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd will be increased to ensure adequate supply of essential medicines at affordable rates, he said.Health Minister Adoor Prakash said Chief Minister-level discussions will be held with drug manufacturers on this issue. In a bid to check exploitation by pharma companies, the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd will stock and distribute 621 essential medicines this year. This is expected to check over-pricing to an extent. Of 840 essential medicines, in the first phase, 31 medicines for diabetes, 78 cardiac drugs, 32 medicines for kidney ailments and 12 for infertility problems will be sold through the Corporation.This is in addition to cancer medicines, Prakash said in a written reply.
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