NEW DELHI, Mar 22: The Government has no plans to introduce National Health Bill, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
In a written reply Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Abu Hashem Khan Choudhury said, “In order to provide relief to the common man in the area of healthcare, a country-wide campaign – ‘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,” he added.
Further, under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices and Control Order (DPCO) 1995, the prices of 74 bulk drugs listed in its First Schedule and the formulations containing any of these scheduled drugs are controlled, he said.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) fixes or revises prices of scheduled drugs/formulations as per the provisions of the DPCO, he added.
Moreover, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy (NPPP) is there to put in place a regulatory framework for pricing of drugs so as to ensure availability of required ‘essential medicines’ at reasonable prices, he informed.
He added that 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, the Minister said.
(UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel