NITI Aayog-led Committee to monitor pricing of drugs
January 24 , 2019 2049 days 701 0
The Government has constituted a Standing Committee headed by NITI Aayog to oversee the drug pricing regime.
It is seen as a move that would curb the powers of the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) when it comes to regulating the prices of medicines in the country.
The Standing Committee on Affordable Medicines and Health Products will be headed by NITI Aayog Member (Health).
The committee will be a recommending body to the NPPA regarding prices of drugs and health products.
It will examine issues Suo-moto or on recommendation of Department of Pharma, NPPA and Department of Health.
The NPPA was established as an autonomous regulator in 1997.
Its objective is to oversee and set the prices of drugs and products on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), prepared by the Health Ministry, and set price caps.