Commerce dept asked to conduct study on drug firm takeovers

The Department of Pharmaceuticals have requested the commerce department to conduct a study on the impact of recent takeover of Indian drug firms by MNCs on healthcare, Parliament was informed today.

"Department of Pharmaceuticals have requested the Department of Commerce to conduct a study on recent takeovers of Indian companies by multinational companies (MNCs)," Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Srikant Kumar Jena said in a written reply.

The minister said that in various quarters it was felt that the takeover of Indian drug makers by MNCs could impact the healthcare scenario as well as on pricing and availability of medicines in India.

 

Once the study is completed recommendation could be placed before the economic advisory council to the Prime Minister.