Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by The Health Master
Committee
The Indian Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has taken a significant step towards reforming the drug and medical device pricing framework by expanding its committee yet again.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to achieving a balance between affordability, accessibility, and industry growth.
Expanding Representation for Stakeholders
Previously focused on government officials, the committee now boasts a diverse group of 19 special invitees representing key stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum.
Related article: Govt Includes More Special Invitees Into Committee For Pricing Framework
This includes:
- Patient Advocacy Groups: All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN), Healthcare Foundation of India (NAT Health), Patient Safety and Access Initiative of India Foundation, and Medecines Sans Frontieres (MSF) India.
- Doctor’s Association: Indian Medical Association (IMA)
- Pharmacy Industry: All Indian Organisation of Chemists and Druggists Association (AIOCD)
- Manufacturing: Laghu Udhyog Bharti (representing small-scale industries)
This broadened representation ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the drug and medical device pricing landscape.
Committee’s Core Objectives
The committee, led by DoP Secretary Arunish Chawla, aims to achieve the following:
- Institutional Reforms for NPPA: Enhance the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority’s (NPPA) effectiveness in regulating drug prices.
- Balancing Affordability and Industry Growth: Ensure essential medicines remain affordable while providing incentives for pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development, ultimately fostering industry growth and exports.
- Price Moderation for Medical Devices: Develop a framework for regulating medical device prices that balances affordability with encouraging domestic innovation and reducing import dependence.
- Accessibility of New Therapies: Design a system that allows for the timely availability of emerging and precision therapies for patients who need them the most.
The committee’s expected outcome is a draft Drugs and Medical Devices (Control) Order, replacing the existing Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
Historical Context of Drug Price Regulation in India
The inclusion of diverse stakeholders reflects a shift in the government’s approach to drug price control.
Here’s a brief historical perspective:
- 1962: Price controls were first introduced due to a surge in medication prices during the Indo-China war.
- 1984: The Kelkar Committee recommended excluding certain drugs from price control and liberalizing profitability curbs.
- 1999 & 2004: The PRDC, DPCRC, Pronab Sen Committee, and Sandhu Committee provided further recommendations on price control policies.
- 2012: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy (NPPP) shifted the focus from cost-based to market-based pricing.
- 2013: The Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, was implemented based on the NPPP.
The DoP’s current initiative demonstrates a continued effort to refine the drug and medical device pricing framework in India, aiming to achieve a sustainable and equitable healthcare ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
NPPA seeks data to fix ceiling prices of 138 drugs
NPPA to recalculate ceiling price of Malaria Drug
NPPA to recalculate ceiling price of Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug
NPPA revises ceiling price of Asthma Inhaler Combination
NPPA revised Ceiling price of 1 scheduled formulation: May 2024
NPPA revised Ceiling price of 6 scheduled formulations: May 2024
USFDA issues Form 483 with 4 observations to Biocon
Drug recall: Lupin, Eugia recalled products Due to Manufacturing Issues
Exploring Himachal Pradesh’s New Bulk Drug Park
Drug alert: 52 drug samples declared as NSQ in May 2024
Nutraceutical Manufacturing in Drug Facilities: 5 members committee formed
USFDA issues Form 483 with 6 observations to Cipla for Goa facility
Drug Bust in Patna: Crackdown on Illegal Cough Syrups Trade
Inclusion of Pharmacy Subject in Civil Services Exams gains Momentum
OTC sale of MTP Kits banned: Karnataka
USFDA issues warning letter to Sun Pharma for Dadra Unit
MN Sridhar appointed as State Licensing and Controlling Authority of Tamil Nadu
For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon:
