BSE Healthcare (HC) index of 21 major companies declined today and several pharma scrips suffered setback. The HC index opened at 5115.51 in the morning session, but drifted down continuously without buying support during the day. At the close the index moved down by 70.04 points to 5039.90 points from previous day close of 5109.94 points. Out of 21 companies the scrip of 14 companies declined and that of seven improved marginally.
According to analysts, there was lack of buying support for pharma scrips today as the impact of US Healthcare reforms is not yet clear on the Indian companies. Dr Reddy's scrip declined by 3.3 per cent or Rs 39.65 to Rs 1147.05. Similarly, GlaxoSmithKline Pharma, a leading MNC, scrip also nosedived by 3.17 per cent or Rs 52.25 to Rs 1594.05. Cipla, Sun Pharma, Jubilant Organosys, Cadila, Opto Circuits, Biocon and Piramal Healthcare scrip also received setback. However, Apollo Hospital, Aurobindo Pharma, Bilcare, IPCA Laboratories and Wockhardt scrip moved up during the last session.