Government trying to regulate prices of drugs, admits Union Health Minister

Clearing air over concerns raised by opposition leaders in the ongoing winter session, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said the Government is making constant efforts to lower the prices of drugs, according to a PTI report.

He was addressing the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, where he also assured that the government is promoting use of generic medicines as part of efforts to make them more affordable for the people.

Further on the issue, the Health Minister stated that there has been ‘irrational use of drugs’ and steps have been taken to spread awareness about their rational use and also increase the use of generic medicines.

"Medical Council of India has also stressed on the use of generic name of drugs to ensure rational prescription by the physicians under the provisions of Indian Medical Council of (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002," Nadda told PTI.

Reportedly, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has initiated a campaign to spread awareness on rational use of antibiotics.