Dr. Venkata Ramana Narendra, Managing Director of Ammaji Pavani Memorial Super Speciality Hospital, Guntur, is a rare blend of healer and artist. A doctor-turned-wildlife photographer, he has spent over 15 years documenting the majestic lives of Royal Bengal Tigers, earning the prestigious Associate of the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS) distinction for his intimate photo series “Tiger and Tigress.” In this conversation with Naresh Nunna of Neo Science Hub, Dr. Narendra, being Hospital Administrator shares his insights on pricing enforcement, and ground-level implementation.
Have you updated MRPs post-GST and customs duty revisions?
Yes, we have started updating the MRPs in response to the recent revisions in GST and customs duties, particularly the reduction to 5% on novel immuno-biologics (NIBs) and monoclonal antibodies (MABs). It is indeed a very positive move by the government, and we view it as a welcoming gesture toward improving patient affordability. Suppliers and pharmaceutical companies are generally happy with this policy shift, as it enhances their ability to offer life-saving drugs at lower costs. We anticipate that this will ultimately benefit patients significantly, while also encouraging wider adoption of advanced therapies.
Is the supply chain responding smoothly to policy changes?
The supply chain situation, however, remains a bit challenging despite the policy changes. Although the reduced tax rates have made medicines more affordable on paper, the practical ground-level implementation is not seamless yet. Distributors and suppliers are still adjusting to new pricing structures, and there are occasional delays in updating inventory and billing systems. While the intention behind the policy is clearly positive, achieving complete smoothness in the supply chain will take some more coordinated efforts between manufacturers, suppliers, and hospital procurement teams. We are hopeful that with time, these hurdles will be ironed out.
Do you wish to share any suggestions on improving access to advanced cancer therapies?
Yes, I strongly feel that the government should actively encourage indigenous development of novel immuno-biologics (NIBs) and monoclonal antibodies (MABs) within India. By investing in local R&D, manufacturing capabilities, and technology transfer, we can drastically lower the costs of these high-value therapies and make them accessible to a broader section of patients. Indigenous production would reduce dependency on expensive imports, strengthen healthcare self-reliance, and support the broader goal of affordable cancer care. It would also stimulate innovation within the domestic pharmaceutical sector, creating a sustainable and resilient ecosystem for advanced therapeutics.
