Risdiplam Price Disparity in India vs China, Pakistan: SC Issues Notice to Roche

During the hearing on Friday, the bench was told by senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for Seba, that the price of the medicine for SMA patients is cheaper in Pakistan and China because of intervention of the governments of those countries.

Grover submitted that why can’t the Indian government negotiate with the global drug manufacturer to make the medicine for the rare disorder available at a cheaper rate.

PTI reports that the top court listed the matter on April 8 after taking note of the fact that several patients are suffering in India with the disorder.

The bench said its interim order of February 24 would continue till the next date of hearing.

On February 24, the top court stayed a Kerala High Court order asking the Centre to provide medicines worth Rs 18 lakh to Seba (24) over and above the Rs 50 lakh which such patients are entitled to under a Central government scheme.

The Centre has approached the top court challenging the high court’s order. The top court had said, while asking the woman to also try and arrange for financial aid from other sources for her treatment;

“Till the next date of hearing, there shall be stay of the operation of the impugned judgement. However, it will be open to the petitioners to examine the request made on behalf of respondent No. 1 (Seba), as permissible in law.”

The bench had said;

“It will also be open to respondent No. 1, Seba PA, as well as the Union of India to get in touch with the companies that manufacture the subject drug(s) so as to enable economical treatment of the patients suffering from the disease in question, that is, Spinal Muscular Atrophy.” The top court had allowed the woman to send a copy of the court’s order to the companies, which are manufacturing the said drug(s), with a request to supply the drug(s) at concessional rates.