‘Bill on death penalty for spurious drugmakers this session’

‘‘I think that those making spurious drugs are committing a crime greater than those committing murder. A murderer is responsible for ending the life of one person, those making spurious drugs commit mass murder,’’ Swaraj said, replying to listeners’ queries.

‘‘In this Bill, we intend to make selling costly medicines also an offence. Rates, including all the taxes, would have to be clearly displayed on the medicine,’’ Swaraj said.

Questioned on the shortage of doctors and declining health infrastructure in the country, Swaraj said: ‘‘We are planning to launch a new programme soon, in which private doctors would be integrated with the government’s health care system to make a big network in the government sector only. ‘‘This will make the government healthcare system into a big network to fulfill the needs of the people.’’

On the AIDS campaign, Swaraj said the thrust would be on cure and prevention. ‘‘I have declared that women, children below the age of 15 and those suffering from AIDS will be provided anti-retroviral drugs in government hospitals from April 1, 2004.’’