NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

A government task force has recommended changes in the existing drug price regulation which could result in a spike in prices of essential medicines. These include suggestions to pull several medicines out of price control, which is likely to impact drugs used in treatment of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases as well as antibiotics. 

"There is a need to review the implementation of DPCO (Drugs Price Control Order), 2013 to resolve the genuine practical problems of implementation. The government may implement predictable and stable price control mechanisms through consultative approach with the industry," the taskforce is learnt to have said in its recommendations submitted recently to the health ministry and various government departments including department of pharmaceuticals.