Kerala

Presence of cooperatives can bring down drug prices peoplespeak

In our country, the quality of medicines is low and the prices high. This is the general feature of the pharmaceutical sector here. The decision of the government is very wise. Private companies should not be allowed to monopolise the production and distribution of medicines. The endeavour of the government will help rein in the private sector. Once the cooperative sector forays into the field, it will bring down the prices of drugs. The government’s action is timely because private manufactures would have cited economic recession to hike prices. This move will help the general public.

N. Ramachandran

Vakkom

The move is in the right direction. The Cooperative Department’s foray into the pharmaceutical sector will stop private drug manufacturers to be more reasonable in pricing. The department should adopt a pro-people approach. The strategies will naturally be people-friendly and such a player will alter the bars in the industry. Private players will be forced to lower their prices if the Department can provide quality drugs at nominal costs. Also, the department should not compromise on quality. There should be stringent quality checks at every stage. Such interventional strategies on part of the government are very vital at a time when the prices of essential commodities are on the rise.

K.S. Chitra

Thiruvananthapuram

The move by the government to start manufacturing of drugs is laudable. This will ensure the supply of safe, quality drugs to the people of the State at much lower costs than those supplied by multinational companies. The departments involved can take the help of the faculty and students of government pharmacy colleges in the State. The medicines for patients of collegiate hospitals can be manufactured as a first step. This will result in considerable saving of funds. Quality of medicines produced can be ensure under the supervision of the faculty available at these institutions.

(Dr) Padmaja V.

Thiruvananthapuram

The Cooperative Department’s move to enter the pharmaceutical sector is a wise move. This will act as a regulatory mechanism. The foray of the Cooperative Department into the sector will result in prices coming down. This will force the private players to do a rethink. Also, the global economic slump can be addressed if the cooperative sector undertakes more such ventures. The present employment crisis can also be addressed as the initiative may need skilled hands. A closer involvement with local communities and a clearer indication that target groups are benefiting from the operation will attract increased public investment. There should be good R&D and technology transfer policies. Marketing should be aggressive. Primary processing units should be set up in rural areas. To conclude, the Cooperative Department’s move is definitely good news for the common man.

Priya K. Nair

Thiruvananthapuram

Medicines, especially life-saving drugs, have considerable market significance. A mechanism to keep their prices under control should be in place. If the Cooperative Department can manufacture and sell drugs, the prices of drugs in the market can be regulated. However, there should be emphasis on quality. There should be strict norms and quality should be ensured at every stage. The ‘cooperative brand’ should grow into a respected one.

B.K.S. Nair

Thiruvananthapuram

The Cooperative Department’s move will have a greater influence on the markets of the country if the scheme works well. Such public sector interventions are positive signs and can solely help the State in the face of crises. The government and the cooperatives should venture into more such areas and try to regulate the scene.

Naval Jacob

Thiruvananthapuram

The plan of the State Cooperative Department to foray into the field of pharmaceutical manufacture is welcome. Its presence could help in bringing down the prices of medicines. The cooperatives should use the right technology and ensure that proper management practices are in place. If the cooperative movement can foray into more diverse fields, it would definitely help the in minimising the impact of the current economic crisis.

A. Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

The Cooperative Department’s move can be termed as a ‘welfare step.’ The cost of most medicines is exorbitantly high now. The pricing of most drugs are done by players in the private sector which makes it out of the reach of the common man. There is no effective regulation in place. The entry of the cooperative sector will effectively help in bringing down the prices of medicines. The cooperative sector should think of venturing into more such areas.

K.P. Karunakaran Nair

Thiruvananthapuram

The Cooperative Department’s foray into the pharmaceutical sector would be disastrous. We have many competitive and professional establishments in the country to do the job. The Cooperative Department should stick to what it was originally set up for. The diversification of the activities of cooperatives should be aimed at improving the basic needs of the public. The cooperative sector should lay stress on utilising its network and resources to grow more food. It should invest more in agriculture, energy, irrigation and education.

K.M.K. Nair

Uduma

A good organisational structure and quality management practices are important in ensuring the success of a professional organisation. The pharmaceutical industry demands high-end technology, good marketing strategies etc. We should think whether the sector can afford to have all these. Those concerned should give it a lot of thought rather than rushing through the proposal to foray into the pharmaceutical sector.

P.K. Varadaraj

Thavakkara (Kannur)

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