Pharma department bats for change in Drugs & Cosmetics Act

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the ministry of chemicals and fertilizers, has suggested modifications to the Drugs & Cosmetics Act to legally allow pharmacists of Jan Aushadhi stores to offer alternate generic drugs to customers instead of prescribed branded drugs, an official from the pharmaceutical department said on the condition of anonymity.

The move comes in the wake of the government having targeted opening 3,000 Jan Aushadhi stores in the current financial year, as announced by finance minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech.

The Jan Aushadhi scheme, started in 2008, aims to provide affordable and quality medicines to the poor and disadvantaged through increased focus on unbranded generic medicines.

“While the Jan Aushadhi scheme is designed to facilitate access to medicines for the poorer section of society, the economic viability of the proposal needs a leg-up if we are to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi stores in the country,” said the official.

The total number of Jan Aushadhi stores in the country currently stands at a little over 400, inadequate for a burgeoning population with limited access to primary healthcare, and woefully short of the government’s intended target.

The Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI), under the pharmaceutical department, is the nodal body for implementing Jan Aushadhi scheme.

Under the current arrangement, generic medicines used, manufactured, and sold from a Jan Aushadhi store uses proprietary recipes and processes.

The generic medicines are also purchased from BPPI, or the supplier designated by BPPI, at prices, determined by BPPI.

“Since the margins are strictly laid down by the government, it acts as a disincentive for potential applicants. Allowing them to offer and sell generic variants of patented drugs would help incentivize their participation. Increased participation can translate to greater rural penetration and easier access to generics,” said the official.

Source: http://www.livemint.com/Politics/meUvElW0pN0Q2uKcEqBubK/Pharma-department-bats-for-change-in-Drugs--Cosmetics-Act.html