An overview of Legislative Bills related to Pharma in the ongoing Parliament Session

Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by The Health Master

Legislative Bills related to Pharma

India’s lifesciences sector, comprising pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental sciences, and forestry, plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy.

To bolster this vital sector and address various challenges, the Union government has introduced six significant bills in the ongoing session of Parliament.

These bills aim to regulate and streamline various aspects of the lifesciences, pharma industry, ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy.

In this article, we will delve into the details of each bill and their potential impact on the growth and sustenance of the lifesciences sector.

1. The Drugs, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Bill 2023:

This bill seeks to regulate the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

Its key objectives include:

• Ensuring the quality, safety, efficacy, and clinical trials of new drugs and medical devices.
• Evaluating the clinical performance of new in-vitro diagnostic medical devices, Ayush medicines, and cosmetics.
• Establishing the highest possible regulatory standards.
• Promoting transparency by repealing outdated laws.

2. The National Dental Commission Bill 2023:

The primary focus of this bill is to establish a National Dental Commission and repeal the Dentists Act of 1948.

The proposed commission aims to enhance the dental care ecosystem and improve the quality of dental services in the country.

3. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill 2023:

This bill aims to set up the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) while repealing the Indian Nursing Council Act of 1947.

Key highlights of the bill include:

• Strengthening the nursing and midwifery profession through comprehensive regulation.
• Ensuring standardization of nursing education and training programs.
• Enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services.

4. The National Research Foundation Bill 2023:

The National Research Foundation Bill seeks to establish a dedicated National Research Foundation, replacing the existing Science and Engineering Research Board Act of 2008.

The bill’s objectives include:

• Promoting research and development across various disciplines.
• Providing financial assistance and grants to researchers and institutions.
• Fostering innovation and collaboration between academia and industry.

5. The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2022:

This bill, presented by the Joint Committee, aims to amend the existing Biological Diversity Act to address emerging challenges in biodiversity conservation.

Key highlights of the bill include:

• Strengthening measures for the protection and sustainable use of biological resources.
• Promoting biodiversity research and documentation.
• Enhancing the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts.

6. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023:

Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 29, 2023, this bill seeks to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act. The main objective of this amendment is to strike a balance between environmental conservation and developmental needs.

Key features of the bill include:

• Streamlining procedures for forest land diversion for developmental projects.
• Ensuring sustainable forest management and conservation.
• Safeguarding the rights and interests of tribal and forest-dwelling communities.

Challenges and Importance:

The lifesciences sector including many other industries like pharma industry, has faced challenges due to the global economic crisis. Revenue generation and growth have been impacted significantly.

These bills are crucial for the following reasons:

• They create a robust regulatory framework to ensure the quality and safety of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.
• The establishment of national commissions will enhance the standards of dental and nursing practices, ultimately benefiting patient care.
• The National Research Foundation will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and research in diverse fields.
• Amendments to the Biological Diversity Act and Forest (Conservation) Act will foster sustainable environmental practices and biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion:

The ongoing Parliament session presents a significant opportunity to advance India’s lifesciences sector, pharma sector through the passing of these crucial bills.

The proposed regulations and commissions are aimed at elevating standards, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability in various industries under the lifesciences umbrella.

As these bills progress through the legislative process, it is hoped that they will pave the way for a stronger, more resilient, and thriving lifesciences sector in India, contributing to both economic growth and public welfare.

All Legislation of India (for Pharma and Health professionals)

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