(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce the National Health Bill;
(b) if so, the salient features of the Bill;
(c) the time by which it is likely to be finalised and introduced; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to promote safe and efficacious drugs to
the people at affordable prices?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ABU HASEM
KHAN CHOUDHURY)
(a) to (c): As of now, the Government has no plans to introduce National Health Bill.
(d): In order to provide relief to the common man in the area of healthcare, a
countrywide campaign in the name of “Jan Aushadhi Campaign†has been initiated by
the Department of Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with the State Governments, by way
of opening up of Jan Aushadhi Generic Stores in the Government Hosptials to supply of
generic medicines through Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings, to make available
quality generic medicines at affordable prices to all. So far, 149 Jan Aushadhi Stores
have been opened in different States/UTs in the country as on 28.02.2013.
Further, under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices & Control) Order, 1995 (DPCO, 1995),
the prices of 74 bulk drugs listed in its First Schedule and the formulations containing
any of these scheduled drugs are controlled. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
(NPPA) fixes or revises prices of scheduled drugs/formulations as per the provisions of
the DPCO, 1995. In respect of drugs not covered under DPCO, 1995 i.e. non-scheduled
drugs, manufacturers fix the prices by themselves without seeking the approval of the
Government/NPPA. However, the trend in prices of non-scheduled drugs is monitored and
suitable action is taken by NPPA where price increase is more than 10% in a period of one
year on moving basis.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy -2012 (NPPP-2012) notified on 07.12.2012
provides all the manufacturers/importers manufacturing / importing the medicines as
specified under National List of Essential Medicines 2011(NLEM-2011) shall be under the
purview of price control. The objective of NPPP-2012 is to put in place a regulatory
framework for pricing of drugs so as to ensure availability of required medicines
“essential medicines†at reasonable prices.
The Government is also providing support to the States under the NRHM for providing free
Generic Drugs in Public health facilities. States have been encouraged to bring out
essentials Drugs lists (EDL) facility wise and Standard Treatment Guidelines to
promote safe and efficacious drug use.