Deyalsingh: Price increase on only one drug

HEALTH Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said a report about the price of all over-the-counter drugs increasing by six per cent at pharmacies was fake.

Responding to a question in the Senate on Wednesday, he explained that increase applied to only one drug.

Deyalsingh advised there are alternatives to this drug and "consumers have a variety of choices in selecting their preferred item."

He stressed, "There is no cause for alarm, as this matter is being blown out of proportion."

He disclosed that Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon has said approval was sought for 3,300 pharmaceutical items to be suspended from the common external tariff (CET).

Of that number, he said the CET was suspended on 2,800 items. Deyalsingh explained this ensured that prices of pharmaceuticals are maintained.