Supreme Court to take up high cost of lifesaver meds
The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the high cost of life-saving cancer medications following the death of a patient who was awaiting a court order. The bench aims to address the broader issue of drug affordability and the government's reluctance to invoke patent laws to allow for cheaper generic manufacturing.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tension between intellectual property rights for pharmaceutical companies and the fundamental right to life, potentially setting a legal precedent for government intervention in drug pricing.
NEW DELHI: Pained by the unfortunate demise of a cancer patient awaiting Kerala HC's order on her plea questioning exorbitant cost of life-saving medicines, the Supreme Court Friday took suo motu cognisance of both issues impacting right to life - plight of patients who cannot afford essential life-saving drugs and the judicial expediency in such cases.Initiating proceedings on a representation sent by conveners of the Working Group on Access to Medicines and Treatment - Jyotsna Singh and K M Gopakumar, which was reported by TOI on July 11, a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said while the Kerala HC will decide the case before it, the apex court will decide the larger issue.Before seeking a response from the Union govt on the issue of exorbitant price of patented drugs for treating cancer and similar difficult-to-cure diseases, the bench expressed its displeasure over…
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