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Correspondence

Indian Pediatr 2017;54: 602

A Plea for Fair Pricing of Vaccines

 

Rhishikesh Thakre

Consultant Neonatologist, Neo Clinic & Hospital, Aurangabad (MS), India.
Email: [email protected]
 

  


Over the last decade, there has been an upsurge of new vaccines in the Indian market. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Immunization (IAPCOI) recommends vaccination schedule for ‘office practice’ annually, which serves as a guideline for pediatricians across the country. From ‘optional’ to ‘one is to one discussion with parents’ there has been a major shift to ‘routine vaccines’ and ‘special circumstances’ vaccination. This has led to a vertical split between the public- and the private-sector vaccination program.

It has been our observation that a new vaccine is usually launched at a higher price, that is then slashed within months once another manufacturer steps in. Further, by altering or adding another component to the vaccine, the cost of such combination far exceeds the cost when given individually. This is aptly being reflected in the newly launched six-in-one combinations. Also it is observed that individual vaccine by the same company goes out of market once a new vaccine is launched but continues to be available in combination (eg, Inactivated polio vaccine). This leads to an unjustified increase in the overall cost of vaccination, thus pinching the pockets of the parents.

The vaccine pricing recently has created headlines in national print media holding the pediatricians responsible. This is unfortunate as it has led to a growing mistrust between the doctor and the parents. It is very clear that doctors have no say in the pricing of the vaccine, and ‘MRP’ is decided by the vaccine manufacturer.

Cardiology stents and orthopedic implants have come under radar for over-pricing. Government of India has recently introduced regulation for fair pricing for essential drugs. This should be extended to the vaccine sector to curb the growing price menace. It is indeed tragic that the vaccination has become a ‘privilege’ rather than an essential right of the child. Parents feel guilty of not affording the newer vaccines and pediatricians usually have to take the blame little realizing that they end up serving as pawns at the hands of giant multinationals. As custodians of our children, we must ensure that the vaccine use is based on the intent, content and science, and raise voice against the pricing mischief. All the stakeholders should advocate, support and promote a ‘fair pricing’ policy for the vaccines for the well being of all our future citizens.

 

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