Raising concerns over Union Finance Ministry’s decision to withdraw customs duty exemption on live-saving drugs, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said here on Monday that price rise of the drugs should be addressed urgently.
She said the Centre’s decision would impact “medicines for cancer, diabetes, Parkisons, heart/kidney disorders, women’s heath.” Speaking to journalists later at the Secretariat, Ms. Banerjee said the move would impact a large section of population in the country. She said her government had taken initiative to provide low-cost generic medicines by opening fair price medicine shops.
“The government’s responsibility is not only to implement the recommendation of the Pay Commission but also to protect the interests of those in the unorganised sector,” Ms. Banerjee said.
