Prices of drugs continue to rise in the market, leading many to wonder why such a thing is even taking place. Given that technology and science are advancing at such as fast pace, it only makes sense for the prices to go down. Instead, the complete opposite is taking place. An investigation carried out by Consumer watchdog “Which?” exposes the tactics adopted by leading drug companies. According to their findings, it has been discovered that the drug companies are selling the same Medicines in different boxes but at a higher price.
Investigation has been carried out
As reported by The Daily Mail, founder of “Which?” magazine, Richar Headland stated that after careful investigation, they have discovered that drug companies bundle up the exact same medicine in a different packing, and sell them at alternate prices. Due to lack of evidence as well as awareness, the individuals are often left to be taken grave advantage of, by the leading drug stores. This way, consumers don’t purchase cheaper alternatives but instead, end up wasting their money, Headland added. “Which?” magazine carried out sting operations at stores where branded medicines were made available for sale. After routing down to the root of where this money-making scheme started, it was discovered by them that the medicines were sold almost ten times the price of the original one.
It’s a normal human tendency to think that expensive products are often more qualitative by nature. But that may not be true in this case.
Harm to the consumers
The drug companies manage to fool the consumers by alternating several details mentioned on the medicine’s packaging. For example, the color of the box and the medicine’s uses, are often altered.
The investigation carried out by “Which?” was sourced by several industry experts including an academic pharmacist, toothpaste experts, dietician, optometrist and a GP. The experts came to a conclusion, wherein they stated that this type of re-badging is actually legal. However, in terms of fundamental values, this exercise is morally wrong.
Consumers are being misled into purchasing something they aren’t completely aware of. It is important that the consumers were kept informed regarding the situation’s actuality before they actually make the purchase. It becomes difficult for consumers to decide which medicine is actually worth spending money over. The audience is thus, advice to be more careful while purchasing especially over-the-count products.