NPPA Chairman sacked; Meanwhile, Harsh Vardhan says India shall showcase new drugs
The Times of India reported that the entire idea of a central scheme for free drug distribution has been given a quiet burial. Joint secretary (policy) in the health ministry Manoj Jhalani said that there will be no separate central scheme for free drugs and diagnostics. "Free drug provision will be done by the states under the National Health Mission (NHM ). The Centre will financially incentivise states to start the free drug scheme," Jhalani said. Following this news, on April 9, 2015, Injeti Srinivas, chairman of India's National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), has been moved from his post to the position of director general of the Sports Authority of India . Srinivas, who was appointed to the position in June of last year, will continue to hold additional charge as NPPA chairman until "alternative arrangements are made." In July 2014, the NPPA implemented price controls for more than 100 drugs used in the treatment of diabetes and cardi...