Cost of basic regimen of antiretroviral drug

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

It has come to my notice that there is a lot of discrepancy in the cost of ARV

in various cities of India. There has been widespread publicity regarding the

reduction in the cost of ARVs.

While the drugs are being provided free of cost at some centres, in other cities

people are being charged extra. In many cases the full advantage of the cut in

cost is not being passed on to the people needing ARV & the treating physicians

are making easy money by getting commission at the cost of people.

Though I have some knowledge about the cost structure, I would like some first

hand information as to what the cost of basic regimens of ARV should be & how

can this be reduced.

I have heard about some NGO in Tambarum, where drugs are being procured from the

pharmaceutical companies.

I would also like to know what legal action is possible if such cases of

cheating of PLWHA come up.

Thanks

Dr. Neeraj Raizada

Dept of Community Medicine,

M.P.Shah Medical College, Jamnagar

E-mail: <neerajmonika@...>