Panel accuses 'lobby' of delaying pharma policy

The Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers has cautioned the government to be aware of a 'lobby' that is attempting to stall the passage of the new pharma policy.

Expressing concern over the delay in finalising the policy, the committee reminded that making drugs available at affordable prices is part of the commitment of the UPA government.

The committee's suggestion has come a week after the Group of Ministers (GoM) that looks into the draft pharma policy deferred its final recommendations.

The delay in finalisation of the views is known to have caused by the sudden objections raised by the health ministry on certain proposals in the draft policy.

The health ministry had felt that these suggestions were part of a Bill that is under the consideration of the Rajya Sabha, and hence duplication of efforts. The GoM, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, has asked chemical and health secretaries to sort out the issue.

The draft pharma policy had stressed the need for strengthening drug regulatory systems in the country to make quality medicines available at affordable prices.

The accusation of the parliamentary panel, though not direct, hints at the delay in finalising the policy. The GoM, set up on January 11, 2007, has met four times in last 16 months.

The committee, which met here today, supported the draft policy suggestions to bring all essential medicines under price control. Members of the Consultative Committee also urged the government to increase production at the public sector undertakings under its control which can soften prices in the market.

Responding to the members, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said the government has already revived Hindustan Antibiotics, Hindustan Insecticide, BCPL and HOCL, while the GoM is planning to revive IDPL (Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd).