A Parliamentary Standing Committee in India has called for the immediate introduction of a permanent regulatory mechanism to cap trade margins on anti-cancer medicines and other essential drugs.
The panel rejected the government's recent response to its inquiry, citing prolonged delays in implementing necessary reforms to control the cost of life-saving treatments.
The committee's report highlights growing concerns over the affordability of critical healthcare products, arguing that unchecked trade margins are driving up prices for patients.
By demanding a structured cap on these margins, lawmakers aim to ensure that cost increases do not disproportionately burden consumers seeking essential medical care.
This development adds to broader political pressure on the Indian government regarding consumer costs.
Recently, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly challenged the administration over persistently high domestic fuel prices, arguing that consumers have not seen relief despite falling global crude oil benchmarks.