Randhir Sharma Questions Use of 1,422 Cr Health, 2,006 Cr Disaster Funds

Addressing a press conference, BJP MLA and state media in-charge Randhir Sharma said that the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has provided significant relief to millions of cancer patients and their families by significantly reducing the prices of cancer medications. The Himachal Pradesh BJP expresses its gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda for this important decision.

Randhir Sharma said that according to the revised price list released on October 27, the maximum retail prices of 397 out of 543 cancer-related drugs have been reduced. He said that the price of Palbociclib 125 mg has decreased from ₹40,421 to ₹2,730, a reduction of approximately 93.25 percent. Similarly, the price of Palbociclib 100 mg has decreased from ₹24,505 to ₹2,069, and the price of Thiotepa 100 mg has decreased from ₹80,072 to ₹7,150.

He said that many families face financial hardship due to expensive treatment. This reduction in drug prices will help ease the financial burden on patients and their families. He urged all political parties to welcome this decision and urged their workers to disseminate information about the revised prices to the public.

Randhir Sharma said that the central government has approved 320 additional postgraduate medical seats in Himachal Pradesh’s medical colleges and has allocated approximately ₹415 crore in aid. He alleged that the state’s Congress government is trying to take credit for the central government’s achievements.

He stated that the government has failed to make the expected progress in delivering the benefits of the ₹1,422 crore Zika health project approved by the central government to the state’s people. He also questioned the slow pace of construction of critical care blocks and block public health units under the PM-Abhiman scheme. He alleged that ₹521 crore approved for the health sector under the 15th Finance Commission has not been properly utilized.

Randhir Sharma described the delay in the Bulk Drug Park in Una and the decision to withdraw from the Medical Device Park project as detrimental to employment and investment prospects.

He alleged that transparency was not being maintained in the approximately ₹2,006 crore worth of projects approved under the PDNA for disaster reconstruction. He demanded an investigation into the allocation and payment of five lakh rupees each for the projects.

Randhir Sharma also questioned the use of 15th Finance Commission Panchayat grants. He alleged that tied grant money for drinking water was allocated to the Water Power Department instead of the Panchayats, and that some funds were used for purposes other than those intended.

He demanded that funds received under the 16th Finance Commission be spent through Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies in accordance with established guidelines. He warned that if the financial rights of local bodies were ignored, the BJP would launch a movement with public representatives.

Prices of 397 Anti-Cancer Medicines Reduced by Up to 93%: Randhir Sharma

Questions Raised Over Utilization of ₹1,422 Crore Health Project and ₹2,006 Crore Disaster Assistance by Congress Government

Shimla, October 29, 2026: BJP MLA and State Media In-Charge Randhir Sharma, while addressing a press conference at Devicos Restaurant, Mall Road, Shimla, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda for the substantial reduction in the prices of anti-cancer medicines.

Sharma said that the Union Government’s decision would provide significant financial relief to cancer patients and their families across the country.

According to the revised price list issued on October 27, the maximum retail prices of 397 out of 543 listed anti-cancer medicines have been reduced.

He highlighted that the price of Palbociclib 125 mg had declined from ₹40,421 to ₹2,730, representing a reduction of approximately 93.25%. Similarly, Palbociclib 100 mg, earlier priced at ₹24,505, would now cost ₹2,069, while Thiotepa 100 mg had been reduced from ₹80,072 to ₹7,150.

Sharma said that expensive cancer treatment had often forced families into financial hardship, with some even selling property or borrowing money to meet medical expenses. He stated that the reduction in medicine prices would help ease the financial burden and make treatment more affordable.

He appealed to political parties to welcome the decision beyond political differences and urged BJP workers to spread awareness about the revised medicine prices.

Highlighting Central Government assistance to Himachal Pradesh, Sharma said that the Union Government had approved 320 additional postgraduate medical seats, along with financial assistance of approximately ₹415 crore, to strengthen medical education and healthcare infrastructure in the state.

He alleged that the Congress-led state government was attempting to claim credit for initiatives supported by the Central Government while failing to acknowledge its contribution.

Referring to the ₹1,422 crore JICA-assisted healthcare project, Sharma questioned the state government’s progress in implementing the scheme and upgrading medical facilities.

He also raised concerns about delays in constructing critical care blocks and Block Public Health Units under the PM-ABHIM scheme. He alleged that the state government had failed to adequately utilize the ₹521 crore sanctioned for healthcare infrastructure under the 15th Finance Commission.

Sharma further criticized delays in the implementation of the Bulk Drug Park in Una, despite the release of ₹225 crore in Central assistance. He said that timely implementation could have attracted substantial investment and created employment opportunities.

He also questioned the state government’s decision to withdraw from the Medical Device Park project, describing it as a setback to industrial development and job creation.

Raising concerns over disaster reconstruction funds, Sharma alleged irregularities in the utilization of approximately ₹2,006 crore approved by the Central Government under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework.