Editorial Letter: High Price of Essential Medicines | Madhyamik 2025

The high price of essential medicines: In today’s world, access to affordable healthcare is not a luxury but a necessity. Medicines, often referred to as life-saving tools, play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of individuals. However, the rising costs of essential drugs are becoming a pressing concern, leaving millions struggling to afford basic healthcare.

Understanding the Issue

What are Essential Medicines?
Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of a population. These include antibiotics, pain relievers, insulin, and life-saving drugs like cancer treatments.

Why Are They Critical?
These medicines are vital for treating diseases, improving quality of life, and even saving lives. Without them, many would face severe health consequences.

Factors Behind High Prices

1. Manufacturing and R&D Costs
   Pharmaceutical companies spend significant amounts on research and development to create new drugs. This often drives up prices.
2. Import Taxes and Tariffs
   Many medicines are imported, adding costs due to tariffs and taxes.
3. Profit-Driven Motives
   Some companies prioritize profits over accessibility, marking up prices beyond reasonable limits.

Impact of Expensive Medicines

On Patients with Chronic Illnesses
Individuals requiring long-term treatments for diabetes, hypertension, or cancer often face financial ruin due to high costs.

On Low-Income Families
For families with limited income, the choice between healthcare and daily necessities is heart-wrenching.

Effect on Public Health Systems
When essential medicines are expensive, public hospitals struggle to provide adequate care, affecting overall health outcomes.

Global and Local Perspectives

Globally, the cost of insulin has skyrocketed, making it inaccessible for many diabetics. In India, the prices of some life-saving drugs have seen similar trends, pushing the common man to the brink.

Government’s Role

1. Policy Measures
   Governments can regulate prices through policies and price caps.
2. Subsidies
   Providing subsidies for essential medicines can make them affordable.
3. Health Insurance Schemes
   Expanding health insurance coverage ensures that more people can access necessary medications.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Pharmaceutical companies must embrace CSR initiatives to provide affordable medicines or donate to underprivileged communities.

Public Awareness

Generic Alternatives
Educating the public about generic drugs can reduce costs without compromising quality.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Encouraging healthy lifestyles and early diagnosis can prevent expensive treatments later.

Possible Solutions

1. Encouraging Generic Medicine Usage
   Generic drugs are cheaper yet equally effective.
2. Price Caps
   Governments can impose limits on the maximum price of critical medicines.
3. Indigenous Production
   Promoting local manufacturing reduces dependency on imports, lowering costs.

Role of Media

The media has the power to bring this issue to the forefront. By sharing real-life stories, they can compel policymakers to take action.

Call for Collective Action

Citizens, NGOs, and the government must unite to address this crisis. Collaboration is the key to ensuring affordable healthcare for all.

Tips for Writing an Editorial Letter

• Start with a compelling opening.
• Use facts and figures to support your argument.
• End with a strong call to action.

Sample Editorial Letter

To The Editor,
[Newspaper Name],
[City Name].

Subject: The Alarming Rise in the Price of Essential Medicines

Sir/Madam,

I am writing to draw attention to the skyrocketing prices of essential medicines, which have become a significant burden for the average citizen. Many families are forced to make difficult choices, often sacrificing basic needs to afford life-saving treatments.

The government must intervene by regulating prices, promoting generic drugs, and encouraging local production. Pharmaceutical companies should also prioritize community welfare over profits.

This is not just an economic issue but a matter of life and death for many. I urge policymakers, NGOs, and citizens to collaborate and address this pressing concern immediately.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City Name]

Conclusion

The high price of essential medicines is a critical issue that needs immediate attention. By working together, we can ensure that healthcare becomes a right and not a privilege.

FAQs

1. Why are essential medicines expensive?
The high cost is due to factors like R&D expenses, import taxes, and profit-driven practices by pharmaceutical companies.

2. What are generic medicines?
Generic medicines are cheaper alternatives to branded drugs but have the same quality and efficacy.

3. How can the government help reduce prices?
The government can impose price caps, offer subsidies, and promote indigenous production to make medicines affordable.

4. What role does the media play in addressing this issue?
Media can highlight the struggles of affected individuals, pressuring policymakers to act.

5. How can citizens contribute to solving this problem?
Citizens can advocate for policies, support NGOs, and raise awareness about generic alternatives.

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