Pharmaceutical pricing policy : a critique

Date

2012-01

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Sameeksha Trust

Abstract

The recently announced draft National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy 2011 fails to ensure accessible and affordable medicines for all in India. This is due to the limited scope and market-based approach it offers to price control. Among other measures, policy should fix ceiling prices based on lowest priced alternatives instead of highpriced top sellers, aim to revive pharmaceutical public sector undertakings, and expand the current National List of Essential Medicines. Most importantly, pharmaceuticals must be brought under the remit of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to allow better coordination for public health interests.

Description

Keywords

INDIA, PHARMACEUTICALS, PRICE POLICY, LEGISLATION, MARKET STRUCTURE, MEDICAL SUPPLIES, PATENTS, HEALTH ECONOMICS, PRICE CONTROL, HEALTH-CARE DELIVERY

Citation

Selvaraj, S., Hasan, H., Chokshi, M., Sengupta, A., Guha, A., Shiva, M., et al. (2012). Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy: A Critique. Economic & Political Weekly, XLVII(4): 20-23.

DOI