Question : Drug Price Control Orders

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has formulated Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO) which provides pharma companies to replace the stocks already in the market with stocks mentioning revised prices within 45 days, if so, the details thereof and the objectives behind this move;
(b) whether certain pharma companies have opposed the orders and floated the norms, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether NPPA and Niti Aayog have discussed the issues recently if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and
(d) the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)
(a): The Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 provides that in case of scheduled formulations produced or available in the market before the date of notification of ceiling price, the manufacturers shall ensure within a period of forty-five days of the date of such notification that the maximum retail price of such scheduled formulation does not exceed the ceiling price (plus local taxes as applicable)

The objective behind the above is that consumer must get the benefit of notified price. Further, the consumer cannot be charged a price higher than what is indicated in the current price list or what is indicated on the label of the container or pack thereof, whichever is less.

(b): Pharma companies have been representing against the respective provisions of DPCO 2013 at various forum. NPPA takes action against the defaulting companies as and when such violation are detected.

(c) & (d): Yes Madam. The suggestions that have emerged are proposed to be discussed with stake holders for taking a decision in the matter.

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