Economic barriers to psychiatric care: A comparative cost analysis of essential psychiatric drugs and Janaushadhi alternatives
Omar Afroz, Raja Babu Ramawat, Siddharth SarkarABSTRACT
Background:
Access to affordable medications is an important determinant of treatment adherence and continuity of care. High out-of-pocket expenditure and cost disparities pose barriers and contribute to poor treatment adherence.
Aim:
We aimed to (1) analyze cost variation among different brands of essential psychiatric medications listed in the National List of Essential Medications (NLEM) 2022, and (2) compare market prices with corresponding generic drugs from the Janaushadhi Scheme.
Methods:
A cross-sectional price analysis was conducted using the current index of medical specialties (CIMS) and the Janaushadhi database.
Results:
There was high variation in market costs, ranging from 20.8% (Carbamazepine liquid) to 1604.4% (Clonazepam 0.5 mg). Median branded costs were higher than generic Janaushadhi prices. The cost ratio (branded price/generic price) was highest for Escitalopram 10 mg tablet (>7).
Conclusion:
Substantial price variation exists even among essential psychiatric medications, potentially undermining equitable access, particularly for economically disadvantaged groups.