MP Paray says the government must protect consumers in Pharma monopoly

Rushton Paray, Member of Parliament, Mayaro Trinidad and Tobago, stated on Wednesday that the government must assure the country's people that the current monopoly in the pharmaceutical industry would not lead to predatory price increases. MP Paray stated that the assurance is even more critical at this time when thousands of working poor have lost their jobs, and fixed income householders, pensioners and single parents are highly vulnerable. He stated that the government must secure this guarantee from Agostini Group Limited following its acquisition of Oscar Francois Limited. The public must be assured that they would not be victims of unfair and arbitrary pricing. The MP added that the administration has a crucial responsibility to protect consumers in light of this unprecedented development and the repeated warnings of the Pharmacy Board over impending price hikes. "The Government must also address reports by the Board of items in short supply among members but being available at Superpharm Limited, which is associated with the pharmaceutical distributor," stated Rushton Paray, Member of Parliament, Mayaro In addition, the Fair Trading Commission must publicly state that the government must explain its approval of this acquisition. Since product monopolies are also being established in other sectors, the Commission must detail its process for granting authorisation. The Commission must further reveal whether it consults civil and consumer organisations before formulating its decisions.

MP noted that the consumer watchdog groups must commit to monitoring retail pharmaceutical prices and product shortages and other developments that could artificially move the market.

"But most of all, the Government has to provide leadership on a matter that pertains directly to the health and welfare of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago," stated Rushton Paray, Member of Parliament

Furthermore, he stated that he is being bombarded with messages from people who have to be out to make a living since the state not helping them.