Shortages of essential chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer across India are raising concerns. Center approves hike in prices of platinum-based cancer drugs. As a result, thousands of cancer patients may face the pressure of two things – a supply crunch on the one hand and a potential price hike on the other.
Doctors and pharmaceutical companies have claimed that the supply of key chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin has been disrupted in various parts of the country. It has long been used to treat several solid cancers, including lung, ovarian, uterine, head and neck.
According to industry sources, the cost of production has also increased manifold due to the abnormal rise in the price of platinum in the international market. Several companies claim that platinum prices have nearly doubled in the past year. However, due to government price controls, the market has not been able to reflect those additional costs.
In such a scenario, manufacturers have been demanding revision of the price cap for a long time. According to various sources, the proposal to increase the prices of cancer drugs like cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin is being discussed at the central level and a positive stand has been taken towards price revision.
A section of drug manufacturers claim that it is financially difficult to continue production at current prices. Some companies have reduced production while others have temporarily stopped production. This has increased supply pressure on hospitals and distribution networks.
Experts fear that the crisis could disrupt treatment cycles for cancer patients if prolonged. Adherence to the chemotherapy schedule is very important. Delays in treatment due to drug shortages can affect patients’ chances of recovery and the effectiveness of treatment.
At present, the major challenge before the government is to ensure the availability of medicines to patients while at the same time controlling the impact of price hikes. Because while price increases are necessary to maintain production, they can have a direct impact on the overall cost of cancer treatment.
The shortage of life-saving drugs used to treat serious diseases such as cancer is now a major concern for the public health system. Doctors, patients and health policy experts are looking at how to manage price increases and the supply situation in the coming days.