A+| A| A-
Pharma Price Control Policy
Despite the government's and pharmaceutical lobby's claims and counterclaims, the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, which covers only 18% of the total domestic market of Rs 71,246 crore, has had very little positive effect as a price control policy. This article points out that the Order leaves out much that should have been included, while including much that should have been left out. Its provisions have made the playing field more uneven, with multiple ceiling prices, which is very unfair to consumers already dealing with an irrationally priced market.
This article relies in parts on a report by the Public Health Foundation of India and Institute
for Studies in Industrial Development on the effects of the DPCO 2013. Conflict of interest: The fi rst two authors areaffiliated with organisations (LOCOST/AIDAN) that are part of a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court [WP (Civil) 423 of 2003] on pharmaceutical pricing policy and related matters. The organisations are also impleaders in the Bombay and Delhi High Courts in the recent matter related to price ceiling of non-scheduled drugs.
Dear Reader,
Or
To gain instant access to this article (download).
(Readers in India)
(Readers outside India)
