Those medicines are for poor: Mamata Banerjee slams Centre over price hike of 900 drug formulations

ANI April 3, 2025 169 views

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the BJP-led central government over recent medicine price hikes affecting 900 drug formulations. She argues that these price increases will severely impact poor patients who cannot afford expensive treatments. Banerjee highlighted her state's commitment to providing free and low-cost generic medicines as an alternative approach. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority's decision to raise drug prices from April 1 has become a significant point of contention between the state and central governments.

"Those medicines are for the poor, for those who can't afford treatment abroad" - Mamata Banerjee
Howrah, April 2: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday criticized the BJP-led central government over the price hike of medicines and accused it of neglecting the poor.

Key Points

1

Mamata writes to PM Modi challenging NPPA drug price increase

2

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority revises 900 drug formulations

3

West Bengal champions affordable healthcare model

4

CM advocates for low-cost generic medicines

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised the ceiling prices for over 900 drug formulations, effective April 1.

Addressing a press conference CM Mamata Banerjee said, "We provided free treatment. We provide generic medicines at a very low cost. I have written to PM Modi. Central government has stopped all work for the poor. What is the Centre doing? We noticed that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has hiked prices of several drugs with effect from 1st April. Those medicines are for the poor, for those who can't afford to take treatment abroad."

Banerjee also urged people of all communities to maintain peace during Ram Navami.

"They are doing a rally on Ram Navami. We want peace. Everyone will do puja. I request everyone and all communities to maintain peace. Don't create a riot-like situation. We will follow Ramakrishna, not jumla party. We will follow Vivekananda, not jumla party. I repeat, don't try to disturb each other's programs and festivals," she said.

Ram Navami will be celebrated on Sunday, April 6. This festival marks the birth of Lord Rama, who is considered the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ram Navami is observed on the ninth day (Navami) of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar.

CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed concern over the explosion at a firecracker warehouse in South 24 Parganas on April 1 in which six people died and several others were injured, and urged people to be alert.

"I feel bad for the incident of blast at Patharpratima (in South 24 Parganas). Why were crackers and gas cylinders there? I appeal, please be alert so that no harm and death happen," she said.

Following the blast, Forensic experts visited the incident spot and collected material.

Speaking to ANI, Forensic expert Dr Debashish Saha had said, "We have collected the clue material from the spot. We will send this to laboratory. The investigating agency has also been told to send this to forensic laboratory. It will be examined there and then it will be found what exactly this is."

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 Medicine price hikes hit the poorest the hardest. The government should prioritize healthcare access over everything else.
R
Rahul S.
While I agree medicine prices are concerning, I wish politicians wouldn't mix healthcare issues with religious comments. Both are important but need separate discussions.
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Anita M.
My mother depends on 3 of these medicines daily. How are we supposed to afford this? The timing couldn't be worse with summer illnesses coming up 😞
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Sanjay P.
Appreciate the call for peace during Ram Navami. We need more leaders speaking this language of unity. The medicine price issue needs urgent attention though.
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Neha T.
Has anyone checked if the price hike is actually justified? Maybe production costs increased? Not defending it, just saying we should get the full picture.
M
Manish R.
The West Bengal model of providing generic medicines at low cost should be implemented nationwide. Healthcare shouldn't be a privilege!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Mamata Banerjee Medicine Price Hike NPPA Healthcare Policy BJP Pharmaceutical Pricing West Bengal
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