TAG: GS-2: SOCIAL ISSUES & HEALTH
THE CONTEXT: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved an increase in the ceiling prices of eleven scheduled formulations of eight drugs by 50% of their current ceiling prices.
EXPLANATION:
Why in the news?
- The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved a 50% increase in the ceiling prices of eleven scheduled formulations of eight drugs under the Drugs Prices Control Order, 2013.
- “Most of these drugs are low-cost and are commonly used as critical first-line treatments for the country’s public health programmes.”
- These drugs are indicated for the treatment of conditions such as Asthma, Glaucoma, Thalassemia, Tuberculosis, and mental health disorders.
About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA):
- NPPA was formed in 1997 as an attached office of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers.
- An independent regulator that sets drug prices and ensures their availability and accessibility.
- It derives authority from the Drugs Prices Control Order, 2013, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- NPPA administers ‘Pharma Sahi Daam’ and ‘Pharma Jan Samadhan’ platforms for information on medicine prices and registering public grievances.
- The Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System 2.0 (IPDMS) is being implemented for online information collection from Pharma manufacturers.
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