Govt forms panel to make drugs more affordable

The committee will review the scope of drug price mechanism, strengthen regulatory provisions of the order and suggest ways to improve the existing pharmaceutical database management system.

The government has formed a committee in its bid to make drugs more affordable in the country, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Elaborating on the terms of reference of the committee, MoS for chemicals and fertilisers Mansukh L Mandaviya said it will suggest ways to make pricing policy in favour of poor patients. (Shutterstock/Representational Photo)

“Government has constituted a committee of joint secretaries for ensuring enhanced affordability, availability and accessibility of drugs for the citizens,” minister of state for chemicals and fertilisers Mansukh L Mandaviya said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

Elaborating on the terms of reference of the committee, the minister said it would suggest ways to make pricing policy in favour of poor patients.

The committee would also review the scope of Drugs (Price Control) Order 2013 (DPCO 2013) and suggest ways for strengthening the regulatory provisions of the order.

It will also delve into making the existing mechanisms for collection of market based data on prices of medicines more robust and stream lined and suggest ways for strengthening the existing pharmaceutical database management system.

The panel will also look at procedural improvements and process of re-engineering in NPPA to ensure better and quicker implementation of the government policy and bring greater transparency so as to reduce litigations and review petitions.

On time frame for implementation of the proposal, he added: “As various approvals and legal advice are required, no time limit can be indicated at this stage.”