Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
Why in the News?
The NPPA monitors the prices of scheduled as well as non-scheduled medicines under Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013), informed the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers.
What are Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Formulations?[A] Scheduled Formulations:
[B] Non-Scheduled Formulations:
Action is taken against companies selling formulations at prices higher than permissible, and overcharged amounts are recovered. |
About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
- NPPA was set up as an independent regulator on August 29, 1997, for drug pricing and ensuring affordable access to medicines.
- It is an attached office of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
- NPPA is not a Statutory or Constitutional Body.
- It is responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of the DPCO.
Functions of NPPA:
- Fixation and revision of prices of ‘Scheduled’ drugs under Drug (Price Control) Orders.
- Scheduled drugs (15% of the pharma market) are allowed an increase based on WPI.
- Non-scheduled drugs (85% of the pharma market) are allowed an automatic 10% increase annually.
- Monitoring and enforcement of drug prices.
- Ensuring availability and accessibility of all medicines and medical devices, including non-scheduled drugs.
- Undertaking or sponsoring studies on drug pricing.
- Collecting and maintaining data on production, exports, imports, market share, and profitability of pharmaceutical companies.
- Advising the Central Government on changes or revisions in drug policy.
Back2Basics: Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO)
|
PYQ:[2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024