Cancer drugs should be produced domestically

Bangladesh government has set up the Essential Drug Company to produce a number of drugs, contraceptives, saline solution and a few other items required to treat some common diseases. The company built a number of factories in different districts, which are producing medicines and medical accessories. 

Having said that, the incidence of cancer has been rising in Bangladesh rapidly. Citing experts, The Financial Express recently reported that cancer would be a significant cause of mortality in Bangladesh by 2030. Drugs required to address cancer are mostly imported from abroad, but they are so expensive that most of the cancer patients cannot afford them. 

Essential Drug Company, being a state-owned enterprise, should start producing cancer drugs domestically. It will largely reduce the price of drugs needed to treat cancer patients.

Md Ashraf Hossain, Savar