In a bid to spread awareness regarding price monitoring and ceiling of scheduled drugs across the State, Food and Drugs Administration conducted the workshop on `Fixation of ceiling prices under NLEM-2022, Ensuring Affordability, Health and Wellness` at Panaji today.
The event was inaugurated by the Secretary Health Shri. Arun Kumar Mishra , IAS which coincided with `AZadi ka Amrit Mahostav` and organized in association with the Goa State Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU) and National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority.
On the occasion Shri. Mishra who is the Chairman of Goa PMRU expressed that; such events undoubtedly would create awareness among the people regarding pharmaceuticals and its price factor. He also stressed the need for such workshop deliberations to enlighten common people about the best quality of drugs at affordable prices.
Deputy Director- Pricing, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) Shri. Mahaveer Saini in his lecture deliberated on various aspects of Fixation of Ceiling prices of Scheduled drugs and how the price control on pharmaceuticals caused huge savings on medicines for common people. He informed that, NPPA works towards fixing ceiling price of scheduled drugs which regulates the pharmaceutical companies selling the drugs at exorbitant price. NPPA also has the mandate of monitoring price fixation on drugs. There is no price fixation for non-scheduled drugs. However the price cannot be increased more than 10% of the current rate annually.
Shri. Saini further informed that, NPPA has introduced `Pharma Sahi Daam Mobile App` facilitating the people for instant verification of prices of medicines with upgraded features. With the App an individual can verify ceiling price of every scheduled drugs and overpricing of drugs if any.
Session on Affordability of medicine through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana was held. The scheme provides medicines at very affordable prices through dedicated retails outlets.
Director, FDA Smt. Jyoti Sardesai in her welcome address elaborated on the importance of workshops on the subject and various initiatives taken by the FDA to ensure quality medicines at affordable prices for all.
Dr. Sarita Bhonsle, Project coordinator of Goa PMRU made a detailed presentation on Pharma Sahi Daam App and its salient features.
