Date:07/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/09/07/stories/2005090701141000.htm

Back Public health

Policy-makers should identify major ailments for which a notified list of "public drugs" with a reasonable profit margin is prescribed.

Regulation of profit and not price should be the criteria in pricing of drugs. Such a step will create an win-win situation, without resulting in a conflict of interest.

Similarly, a compulsory and effective cost audit mechanism will check profit-centric manufacturers. The Medical Council of India, through its code of conduct, should encourage doctors to prescribe reasonably priced drugs.

The government's initiative to aggressively promote traditional systems of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani will act as a bulwark against the malpractices of doctors and drug manufacturers.

Suhas S. Bohra

Mumbai

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: bleditor@thehindu.co.in