Formulate Schemes to Make Essential Drugs Accessible to the Poor: Delhi High Court

The High Court now wants the government of Delhi, India to think about ways to provide free essential medicines to the poor.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher, heard the plea filed on behalf of a 13-year-old girl suffering from Turner Syndrome and ordered the Delhi government to come up with policies for medical support to those who cannot afford it.

The plea was for directions to the Delhi government and the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Hospital to allow uninterrupted treatment free of cost. Ashok Agarwal, the girl's lawyer told the court that the injections required for the girl were beyond the means of her father's income.

The girl has been on treatment for the past 2 years and her father, a tailor earns nearly Rs.7,500 per month has not been able to provide for her treatment.

"If the growth hormone is not given, the girl may have stunted growth. Patients suffering from Turner Syndrome are prone to developing heart diseases, kidney deformities, and menstrual and reproductive irregularities," says the petition.

Hearing the plea, the judge said that a suitable instruction is needed for such cases. "Get an appropriate instruction to formulate schemes to enable people lacking financial wherewithal to get essential drugs," directed the court. The Delhi government has assured the High court of Delhi for a policy to provide essential drugs for the poor.

Source: Medindia