Keralam government defends generic SMA drug switch and aims for further price cuts

Keralam's Health Minister K. Muraleedharan defended the switch to a generic spinal muscular atrophy drug in the Assembly, stating the government aims to eventually offer medicines free of cost.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stated that the generic alternative marketed by Natco Pharma costs ₹15,000 compared to the ₹6.5 lakh branded version, with plans to reduce the price further to ₹9,000.

The Left Democratic Front opposition staged a walkout after an adjournment motion concerning the drug switch and a 16-member health task force was rejected by the government.