AIOCD proposes formula for market-based pricing of drugs

11 Jul 2012 Evaluate

All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), the Pharma trade-organization has proposed a market-based pricing formula, which takes the weighted average of the prices (WAP) of all brands in a particular dosage form, with over one per cent market share. The new pricing method aims to ensure easy availability of medicines to common man at an affordable rate.

The organization had accepted the government’s proposal to move away from cost-based pricing to market-based drug pricing policy, but with a slight change from the proposed pricing of considering only weighted average price (WAP) of top three selling brands.

The trade body’s formula slashes the price of drugs by about 13 per cent as compared to that of government’s policy proposal, which cut down prices only by 9 per cent. Further, the body emphasized that the market competition will prevent companies from increasing their prices, if it was lower than the ceiling price.

The trade body also suggested the government to stick with restricting price control to the 348 drugs mentioned in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). The association also reinstated its view that it supports any agenda that is aimed at availing quality medicines at affordable rate to the patients even in the remotest corner of the country.

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), is an apex body of more than five lakh chemists and stockists spread across the country.

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