Special marks on packs proposed to identify essential drugs

National drug price regulator NPPA has suggested mandatory display of a mark on packs of drugs distinguishing them as essential medicines or otherwise besides mentioning ceiling price per unit to create consumer awareness.
The distinguishing mark, which can be in the form of bold red strip accompanied by necessary text, has been proposed to identify whether the drug is scheduled in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
Inviting comments from stakeholders, including pharma industry and trade associations, consumer organisations and state drug controllers, NPPA said: "It is considered necessary to make all consumers aware of which all drugs are scheduled as well as their ceiling/retail price as notified by the NPPA from time to time."

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) said: "The proposal under consideration is to make it mandatory to display a scheduled drug by way of a distinguishing mark (may be a bold red strip with the words 'DPCO Scheduled Drug' printed on it in black ink) and also to mention its ceiling price per unit."
Based on discussion with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, it is proposed to examine the feasibility of making the above mentioned disclosures mandatory by way of a suitable notification under the Legal Metrology Act 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011, both of which are meant to protect consumer interest, it added.

"This measure will not only enhance consumer awareness and vigilance, but also enhance accountability and self-regulation among the pharmaceutical industry and trade," NPPA said in a statement.

Explaining the need for such a step, NPPA said although drugs are covered under the Essential Commodities Act 1955, and the DPCO 2013, it specifically aims at ensuring the availability and affordability of lifesaving and essential drugs for all. There is very little consumer awareness in this regard, including that of price fixation under the DPCO.
"Equally, there is a great degree of ignorance about the NLEM 2011 notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to promote scientific and rational use of medicines that is both clinically and cost effective, which forms part of the First Schedule to the DPCO 2013," it added.

However, with a view to taking all stakeholders, including pharmaceutical industry and trade associations, consumer organisations and state drug controllers, suggestions are invited on the above mentioned proposal, NPPA said, adding comments must be submitted within two weeks.
Yesterday, NPPA had also proposed rectification in specification/description of 86 medicines in NLEM 2011 after finding certain anomalies in a study conducted by it.
NPPA said the study of the drugs in NLEM 2011 was conducted with a view to ensuring that all life saving and essential drugs of mass consumption are included in the NLEM for safeguarding the public interest in consonance with the directions received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

It had invited comments of all the stakeholders, including industry associations within a period of three weeks for further necessary action in the matter.