Panaji: Goa on Thursday became the first state in the country to introduce a pricing policy for innovative lifesaving therapies aimed at making critical treatments more affordable and accessible, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said.
The Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies (PPILT) will ensure fair and sustainable pricing for medicines, diagnostics and advanced medical devices used in the treatment of rare genetic disorders, cancer and autoimmune diseases, he said talking to reporters after launching the policy in Panaji on Thursday.
“Today marks a landmark moment for healthcare in Goa with the launch of Goa’s Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies which is a first in India,” Rane said.
He said this pioneering policy ensures fair and sustainable pricing for critical treatments.
“It will make life-saving therapies far more affordable and accessible, giving new hope to patients and families across the state,” the minister added.
He stated the initiative would reduce the financial burden on patients, improve access to cutting-edge treatments and set a national benchmark for equitable healthcare.
“This is not just a policy. It’s a promise of better health and a brighter future for all,” the minister added.
A senior state Health Department official said that under the policy, the state government will procure drugs, medical equipments and diagnostics from Pharmaceutical firms at a lower rate from the linked price enabling budget allocation to more patients or support a longer duration for the therapies.
He said that a committee chaired by Additional Secretary or Joint Secretary of Goa government and comprising of Dean of Goa Medical College and State Director of Health Services is constituted to recommend appropriate pricing for approval of the government.
