The Supreme Court has expressed concern over steep markups on cancer medicines by private hospitals, calling the practice “carnage” and advocating a uniform 16 per cent margin on all medicines. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked the Centre to examine allegations that corporate hospitals mandate patients to purchase medicines from their own or designated pharmacies. It observed that such practices can impose a burden on patients and taxpayers, particularly when treatment is covered under government schemes.

The court was hearing petitions concerning regulation of medicine prices, generic prescriptions and medical devices under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. It also questioned the pricing of non-scheduled medicines, which constitute a substantial share of the market, and said the issue would be examined thoroughly. The matter has been posted for further hearing on October 12.