‘Exorbitant drug prices’ add to winter plight of asthma patients
Winter is not the time to rejoice, especially for asthma patients, as cold, dry air and an increased risk of upper respiratory infections worsen their symptoms during the season. Adding to their plight is the fact that the prices of most asthma drugs have remained high for many years now.
Many patients told Tribune that the health authorities haven’t done enough to bring the price down, at least during winter. “The prices have remained high. It is highest when compared to other GCC countries. For instance, Ventolin is a common inhaler drug prescribed to asthma patients. Its price is at least twice compared to Saudi Arabia. How are we expected to afford it?,” a patient lamented.
“Beclate, a preventive medicine, was among the cheapest ones available in the market. But, right now, it has vanished from the local pharma market, while the medicines that replaced Beclate are too expensive,” he added. Echoing a similar view, an expat patient urged the health authorities to initiate steps to address the plight of asthma patients.
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