(a) whether the Pharma Industry has urged the Government to allow increase of 3 to 4% on
drug retail prices and to introduce tamper proof packaging on medicines as reported in the
‘Times of India’ dated August 21, 2007;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Pharma Industry has also urged the Government to adopt stringent measures
for sanctioning of manufacturing license to the drug manufacturers; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN
THE MINISTRY OF PARTLIAMENTARY AFFIRS (SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)
(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. M/s. Nicholas Piramal India Limited represented to this Department
in July, 2007 expressing its concern on the issue of menace of spurious drugs in the country
and has given some suggestions to this Department viz, grant of higher Maximum Allowable
Post Manufacturing Expenses (MAPE) under DPCO for pilfer proof packaging, review of laws
and regulations governing the allotment of manufacturing licenses, revocation of licenses
of spurious drug manufacturers etc, in order to tackle this problem. Since quality of
drugs comes under the purview of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 administered by the Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare, that Ministry has been requested to look into this issue.
Regarding grant of higher MAPE to introduce tamper proof packaging of medicines the matter
is being examined by this Department.