Decision on new drug pricing policy likely by mid-Nov: Govt

12 Oct 2012 Evaluate

Paving way to another major reform measure in the country, the centre announced that the final decision on new National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy will be taken by mid-November. The Supreme Court of India has urged the government not to trigger any hike in the price of drugs and suggested to continue availing medicines at reasonable prices, to assure common people’s interests.

The empowered group of ministers had recommended inclusion of 348 drugs in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and it would be sent with a cabinet note by October 15. The apex court proposed the centre to assure that the cap on drug prices would not affect normal hike on account of increase in cost of inputs like raw material, packaging, labour and other components.

The apex court also expressed concerns on the availability of essential drugs at reasonable price. The judges also chided the government for taking so long in increasing the number of important medicines under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and urged it to include more essential medicines within the reach of the common man.

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