Question : PRICES OF DRUGS

(a) whether a number of multinational companies (MNCs) try to earn the maximum dividend by delaying the import of essential drugs and increase prices;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard;

(c) the details of Pharmaceutical Companies manufactured cheaper version of generic and other drugs in the country, company-wise;

(d) whether the Government provides financial assistance to small scale pharma units to procure equipment to improve the quality of medicines; and

(e) if so, the details of the units funded during each of the last three years and the current year, unit-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a): No such practice of delaying imports of essential medicines to make undue profit have come to the notice of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).

(b): In view of reply to part (a) above, does not arise, (c): The information Is not maintained by the Department.

(d)and(e): Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises is implementing the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) to provide incentives to micro and small enterprises for technology up gradation for approved 48 Sub-Sectors including Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Sub-Sector. The details are not available with the Department.