Government sets up panel to fix prices of patented drugs

With an aim to address the patented drugs prices in India, Government has set up an inter-ministerial committee of Joint Secretaries who will suggest ways and means to fix price rise.

 

According to a PTI report, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers confirmed the news in a written reply to Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament.

 

Ahir said, “To address the issue of price negotiation mechanisms for patented drugs, an Inter-ministerial Committee of Joint Secretaries has been set up to suggest ways and means to fix the prices of patented drugs in the country.”

 

The minister was replying to a question whether the government proposes to regulate the prices of patented drugs in the country.

 

When asked if drug manufacturers from some countries, including the US, have expressed displeasure over the issue of being denied grant of patent for certain drugs for which Indian companies are producing generic drugs, Ahir said a blunt 'No'.

 

 

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