Domestic diagnostics manufacturers want govt to go slow on prices

As the Centre prepares its Essential Diagnostics List (EDL), taking a cue from the list launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in May, domestic manufacturers are urging the government not to control the cost of diagnostics the way it controls the prices of essential medicines.  

But on the other side are public health scholars who caution that not having price control could lead manufacturers to form cartels. They want the government to control prices, but through a transparent mechanism, and promote competition in  diagnostics. 

The WHO broadly defines Essential Diagnostics as tests that satisfy the primary healthcare needs of a population.