Fact Check: The Real Story Behind Different Medicine Prices in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, 04 August 2023: In recent days, social media platforms in Kashmir have been flooded with two images of Ivermectin tablets, accompanied by claims of different prices for Jammu and Kashmir. The viral post suggests that the cheaper variant, priced at ₹195, is readily available in Jammu, while the expensive one, priced at ₹350, is exclusively reserved for Kashmiris. However, a meticulous investigation into the matter has shed light on the true context behind these images, discrediting the allegations of regional price disparities.

While tracing the origin of these images, Koshur Dude reverse searched the images and found that it was originally shared on X (Formerly known as Twitter) by user @malpani on 30 November 2020, almost three years ago. The context in which these images were first shared differed significantly from the recent claims on social media. @malpani’s original post highlighted the alleged greed of certain pharmaceutical companies, which had purportedly inflated the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Ivermectin tablets during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The medicine according to the user was in high demand for treating COVID-19 patients, leading to concerns about a nearly 100% price hike within just one month. The post questioned the regulatory bodies’ inaction in the face of these alleged price manipulations.

Pharma company greed. Jacked up the MRP during this COVID-19 pandemic because this medicine is used to treat patients with #COVID-19. Why are the regulators sleeping? Nearly 100% price hike in one month! pic.twitter.com/RJrTfnaq2N

— Dr Aniruddha Malpani, MD (@malpani) November 30, 2020

However, the recent viral post in Kashmir attempted to attach a completely unrelated narrative to these images, claiming varying prices for Ivermectin tablets in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Nevertheless, there is no substantial evidence to support this claim, and the images themselves provide no indication of any regional pricing discrepancies.

It is essential to approach such viral claims with a critical eye and verify information before sharing it on social media. While regional price variations might indeed exist due to factors such as transportation costs, taxes, or local regulations, the images shared in the viral post cannot be substantiated as evidence for the specific claim made about Jammu and Kashmir.

Koshur Dude urges social media users in Kashmir and beyond to fact-check claims thoroughly before amplifying them, as it is our collective responsibility to ensure the dissemination of accurate and reliable information.

In conclusion, the viral images of Ivermectin tablets with different prices in Jammu and Kashmir are unrelated to the context presented on social media. The original post from 2020 had focused on pharmaceutical companies’ alleged price hikes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it should not be misconstrued as evidence of any regional pricing disparities in Jammu and Kashmir.