Mamata Banerjee slammed centre for increasing custom duty on life saving drugs

KOLKATA: Expressing concern over the rising price of medicines, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee today blamed the centre for ‘increasing the custom duty on life-saving drugs.’

“I am deeply concerned by the sudden increase in Customs duties on life-saving drugs. Price rise needs to be addressed urgently,” said Banerjee at Nabanna today.

Criticizing the move taken by the central government, she added, “Medicines for cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart/kidney disorders, women's health can become too expensive for thousands who need them."

"This is not the first time the centre has increased the prices of medicines. The centre should rethink on this decision.” she further adds.

Mentioning her efforts about establishing the ‘fair price’ medicine shops, she said,” In Bengal we are working hard to reduce costs of medication by opening fair price medicine shops.”