(a) the details of the functioning of the National Pharmaceuticals Price Control Organisation (NPPCO) ;
(b) whether the Government proposes to set up fixed price structure for various services in the hospitals;
(c) if so, the time by which the said structure will be set up; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( DR.ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)
(a): The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is entrusted with the task, inter-alia, to fix prices and notify changes therein, if any, of bulk drugs and formulations, from time to time, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1985. Other functions of NPPA, include:
(1) To implement and enforce the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1995 in accordance with the powers delegated to it.
(2) To monitor the availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and to take remedial steps.
(3) To collect/maintain data on production, exports and imports, market share of individual companies, profitability of companies etc. for bulk drugs and formulations.
(4) To undertake and/or sponsor relevant studies in respect of pricing of drugs/pharmaceuticals.