In a Press Release dated 18^th December, 2018, the Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers (“Ministry”) has mentioned the Steps taken by Government to promote use of Domestically Manufactured Drugs and Medicines in response to a question asked in the Lok Sabha.

Key Highlights

1. National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Policy, 2012 (NPPP-2012) was notified with the objective to put in place a regulatory framework for pricing of drugs to ensure availability of required medicines – “essential medicines” at reasonable prices even while providing sufficient opportunity for innovation and competition to support the growth of pharma industry thereby meeting the goals of employment and shared economic well-being for all.
2. ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’ (PMBJP) has been introduced in the country to promote and to make available quality generic medicines at affordable prices to everyone through specific outlets.
3. Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Research Programme (DPRP) is run by the Department of Science & Technology to promote domestically manufactured drugs by providing financial support for research and development. Income tax benefits are also being given to the companies undertaking Research and development activities.
4. The Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, Para-32(iii) provides exemptions from price control to a manufacturer producing a new drug involving a new delivery system developed through indigenous Research and Development for a period of five years from the date of its market approval in India.
5. To provide ease in competition, the government has withdrawn exemption of customs duty on certain categories on Bulk Drugs/APIs through a notification dated 28^thJanuary,2018.
6. To make generic medicines more accessible, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has requested all the States/Union Territories to explore and enforce the proposal of keeping a separate shelf/rack for generic medicines in every pharmacy in the country.
7. A scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’ (PMBJP) is being operated for providing quality, unbranded generic medicines at affordable prices in the country. This has dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) which are opened to provide generic medicines.
   As on 13.12.2018, 4,571 PMBJKs have been opened across the country.

Source: Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers

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