📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ginevrajocosa88
Health
Karnataka Calls on Centre to Address Large Gap Between Hospital Drug Prices and Patient Bills
✍️ Medical Dialogues
🗓 04 Oct 2026, 05:03 AM
👁 12
The Karnataka government has written to the Union health ministry, highlighting a wide disparity between the cost of medicines purchased by hospitals and the amounts charged to patients, and is seeking central intervention.
Karnataka's health department has formally approached the Union health ministry, pointing out that the price at which public hospitals procure medicines is far lower than the charges levied on patients. The state officials argue that this mismatch places an undue financial burden on patients, especially in low‑income groups.
In its communication, the Karnataka government urged the centre to consider policy measures that could narrow the gap, such as stricter price controls, transparent billing practices, or a review of the drug procurement framework. The state has not disclosed specific figures but described the disparity as "huge" and detrimental to affordable healthcare.
The appeal comes amid broader national discussions on drug pricing and the need to make essential medicines more accessible. Karnataka officials indicated that they will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with central authorities to protect patients from excessive out‑of‑pocket expenses.
No immediate response from the Union health ministry has been reported, and the state plans to follow up with further discussions if necessary.
In its communication, the Karnataka government urged the centre to consider policy measures that could narrow the gap, such as stricter price controls, transparent billing practices, or a review of the drug procurement framework. The state has not disclosed specific figures but described the disparity as "huge" and detrimental to affordable healthcare.
The appeal comes amid broader national discussions on drug pricing and the need to make essential medicines more accessible. Karnataka officials indicated that they will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with central authorities to protect patients from excessive out‑of‑pocket expenses.
No immediate response from the Union health ministry has been reported, and the state plans to follow up with further discussions if necessary.