The question of access
This report examines current issues in Indian healthcare, including the high cost of cancer drugs, regulatory crackdowns on medicine misuse, and food labeling standards. It also highlights the importance of vaccination programs across different age groups.
Why it matters
Public health policy and access to affordable medicine are critical determinants of societal well-being and economic stability.
On the price and safety of medicines, changing vaccination needs, AI in medicine, prevention and new research
A treatment can make a difference only when patients can access it. The cost of medicines, their safety and regulation, and whether people can get the care they need are all part of that question. This week, our coverage also looks at vaccination, infectious diseases, artificial intelligence, prevention and new medical research.
Questions around the cost of medicines came into focus after the Supreme Court described the overpricing of essential cancer drugs as “ broad daylight dacoity”. The report examines concerns around medicine prices and what they mean for access to treatment.
A regulatory warning against the indiscriminate use of painkillers and antibiotics highlighted the risks of inappropriate medicine use, including kidney disease. India has also ordered a crackdown on nicotine pouches , citing health risks.
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