New Delhi: A US woman has sparked widespread discussion on social media after revealing that a medication priced at nearly Rs 95,000 (USD 1,000) in the United States cost her only around Rs 800-Rs 2,300 (USD 10-USD 25) when obtained through India, highlighting the stark difference in drug prices between the two countries.
The woman, identified as Victoria, shared her experience in a viral video, claiming that her health insurance provider refused to cover the prescribed medication. As a result, she was informed that she would have to pay approximately $1,000 out of pocket for a pack containing six pills.
Unwilling to bear the high cost, Victoria consulted her doctor regarding alternative options. According to her, the doctor suggested routing the prescription through a Canadian pharmacy, which could source the medication from an Indian manufacturer.
Expecting the price to be between $100 and $200, Victoria said she was surprised when the pharmacy informed her that the medicine itself would cost only $10, while shipping charges amounted to $15. The total expense was therefore just $25, a fraction of the amount quoted in the United States.
Expressing her disbelief, Victoria criticized the pricing practices of the American healthcare system, questioning how a medication available at such a low cost internationally could be sold for $1,000 in the US, especially when insurance coverage was denied.
“We are being completely scammed. What do you mean this was going to cost a thousand dollars? And I was able to pay $10 for the medication itself,” she said.
Calling the US healthcare system “a joke,” she questioned where the additional costs associated with the medication were going. “What was I paying $1,000 for in the US? Who is that money going to? That is a hypothetical question. You all get my point,” she added.
A post shared by AmericaNriLaFrustration – ANLF (@america_nri_la_frustration)
The video quickly gained traction online, with numerous social media users sharing similar concerns regarding healthcare affordability in the United States. Many commenters pointed to India’s robust generic pharmaceutical industry, which enables the production of high-quality medicines at significantly lower prices compared to several Western nations, reports The Times of India.
Also Read: Affordable Medicines Without Hurting Pharma Growth: J P Nadda Says Govt Balancing Drug Prices, Industry Interests
Parthika Patel has completed her Graduated B.Pharm from SSR COLLEGE OF PHARMACY and done M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751
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