Lifeline for cancer patients: Kerala govt's 'Zero Profit Counter' a major success

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government’s pioneering 'Zero Profit Counter' initiative, aimed at making life-saving cancer medicines affordable, continues to gain momentum across the state.

Functioning under the Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL), the counters are operated within selected ''Karunya Pharmacies'' across 14 districts.

The counter at Government Victoria Hospital in Kollam has reported significant success, offering high-cost cancer medications at drastically reduced prices, in some cases with up to 96% discount from market rates.

For example, a medicine priced at ₹42,350 in the open market is made available here for just ₹5,552. Another, costing ₹21,800 elsewhere, is sold for ₹16,010. A drug originally priced at ₹4,029 is available for as low as ₹343. Only a nominal 2% service charge is collected, with KMSCL completely foregoing any profit margin.

Currently, 40 essential oncology drugs are directly available at the counter. A total of 247 branded cancer drugs are kept in stock. For medicines not readily available, the counter sources them as per requirement and still offers them at reduced rates.

Medicines covered under the state's health insurance scheme are also distributed through this channel.

From August 2024 to date, the Kollam counter alone has distributed cancer drugs worth ₹15,98,282 (market value) for just ₹4,53,923. Statewide, medicines valued at ₹3.62 crore have been sold for only ₹1.18 crore, benefiting 3,014 cancer patients so far, said Abhilash, Deputy Manager at KMSCL.

The primary beneficiaries of the scheme are patients undergoing treatment in the oncology departments of district hospitals. Alongside pharmacists, helpers have also been deployed to ensure smooth operation at each counter.