(a): whether the Government are finalizing New Drug Policy to
boost up performance of Pharma sector in the context of liberalization
and globalisation; and
(b): if so, the details of major policy changes effected so far/under
consideration and likely impact thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS ( SHRI RAMESH BAIS)
(a) and (b): In March, 1999 the Government had constituted a Drug
Price Control Review Committee ( DPCRC) to review the current drug
price control mechanism and to suggest alternate models, if any, with a
view to reducing the rigours of price control where they had become
counter-productive. Another committee, namely, the Pharmaceutical
Research and Development Committee(PRDC), was also constituted in
March, 1999 to recommend measures to strengthen the research &
development capability of the pharmaceutical industry in the country
and to identify the support required by Indian Pharmaceutical
companies to undertake domestic research & development. Both the
Committees have submitted their reports to the Government. The
Government has not finalized its view regarding the policy changes to
be brought about in the context of the reports of these Committees.