Question : EXPENSIVE GENERIC DRUGS

(a) whether the generic drugs have become expensive up to 30 per cent due to the increased cost of imported bulk medicines;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the supply of medicines including the generic medicines under Drug Price Control Order has also been affected;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the regulatory body for drug prices, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority while intervening in the matter has taken any steps to control the prices and supply of the drugs;

(f) if so, the details thereof;

(g) whether the Government is taking any measures to supply the drugs at affordable prices and control rising prices thereof; and

(h) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)

(a) to (d); Department of Pharmaceuticals/National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority(NPPA) have not carried out any study regarding the prices of the generic drugs becoming expensive due to the increased cost of imported bulk medicines. Hence, no consequent details are available.

(e) & (f): In regard to prices of medicines National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is mandated to control the prices of medicines as per the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1995 (DPCO, 1995). NPPA is also entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the availability of drugs and to identity shortage, if any, and to take remedial steps to make the drugs available. NPPA is carrying out this responsibility mainly through monthly field reports from the State Drugs Controller and other available information. As and when the reports for shortage of particular drug(s), in any part of the country are received, the concerned company is asked to rush the stock and to make the drugs available. Generally shortage reported is brand specific. However, in most of the cases alternative brands are available.

(g) & (h): The Department of Pharmaceuticals has also launched `Jan Aushadhi Campaign` with the objective of making available medicines at affordable prices for all. Under this campaign less priced quality unbranded generic medicines are made available through Jan Aushadhi Stores.The Jan Aushadi Campaign has now been formalized as Generic Drug Scheme with the approval of Planning Commission. 122 Jan Aushadhi Stores have been opened in different States/UTs in the country as on 30.7.2012.

Further, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has prepared a draft National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, 2011 (NPPP-2011) based on the criteria of essentiality and requirements as stipulated by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The draft National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, 2011 was circulated among the concerned Ministries/Stakeholders. The draft policy was also available for comments of any other interested person on the Department`s website www.pharmaceuticals.gov.in till 30,11.2011. The view/inputs received on the draft NPPP, 2011 were examined and the matter was placed before the Group of Ministers (GoM) which met on 25.4.2012. Subsequent to this two meeting have been held by the GoM. The draft Policy envisages bringing the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) -2011 and associated medicines under price control.