Mamata Slams Centre Over Essential Drug Price Hike

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday strongly criticized the central government for raising prices of over 900 essential medicines from April 1. She announced that the Trinamool Congress would stage statewide protests on April 4 and 5.

Expressing her strong opposition, Banerjee urged the Centre to roll back the decision. “We will organize rallies and public meetings in every block and civic ward from 4 PM to 5 PM on these two days. I call upon the public to raise their voices against this one-sided move, which will severely impact healthcare,” she stated at the state secretariat.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) recently approved a price hike for more than 900 life-saving drugs, including those used for treating infections, heart ailments, and diabetes.

Banerjee also criticized the imposition of GST on medical insurance. “This is unacceptable. The government makes grand promises before elections but later abandons them. Why should citizens bear GST on medical insurance?” she questioned, urging the Centre to reconsider.

She further claimed that despite repeated appeals to the Prime Minister to waive tax on medical insurance, no action was taken. “The Centre has stalled welfare initiatives for the poor. Is it only catering to the wealthy while ignoring the common man?” she asked, voicing concern over the financial strain on middle-class families due to rising healthcare costs.

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