PIB RElease, March 22, 2013

The Government has no plans to introduce National Health Bill. 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.

This information was given by Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare
Shri AbuHasem Khan Choudhuryin written reply to a question in the LokSabha
today.