"Those medicines are for poor": Mamata Banerjee slams Centre over price hike of 900 drug formulations

Howrah (West Bengal) [India], April 2 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday criticized the BJP-led central government over the price hike of medicines and accused it of neglecting the poor.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised the ceiling prices for over 900 drug formulations, effective April 1.
Addressing a press conference CM Mamata Banerjee said, "We provided free treatment. We provide generic medicines at a very low cost. I have written to PM Modi. Central government has stopped all work for the poor. What is the Centre doing? We noticed that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has hiked prices of several drugs with effect from 1st April. Those medicines are for the poor, for those who can't afford to take treatment abroad."
Banerjee also urged people of all communities to maintain peace during Ram Navami.
"They are doing a rally on Ram Navami. We want peace. Everyone will do puja. I request everyone and all communities to maintain peace. Don't create a riot-like situation. We will follow Ramakrishna, not jumla party. We will follow Vivekananda, not jumla party. I repeat, don't try to disturb each other's programs and festivals," she said.
Ram Navami will be celebrated on Sunday, April 6. This festival marks the birth of Lord Rama, who is considered the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ram Navami is observed on the ninth day (Navami) of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar.
CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed concern over the explosion at a firecracker warehouse in South 24 Parganas on April 1 in which six people died and several others were injured, and urged people to be alert.
"I feel bad for the incident of blast at Patharpratima (in South 24 Parganas). Why were crackers and gas cylinders there? I appeal, please be alert so that no harm and death happen," she said.
Following the blast, Forensic experts visited the incident spot and collected material.
Speaking to ANI, Forensic expert Dr Debashish Saha had said, "We have collected the clue material from the spot. We will send this to laboratory. The investigating agency has also been told to send this to forensic laboratory. It will be examined there and then it will be found what exactly this is." (ANI)