The government has mooted a Rs 100-crore plan to set up state-level drug pricing monitoring cells and an appellate tribunal at the national level to enable the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) discharge its responsibilities more effectively.
Meanwhile, the NPPA is working on strengthening its network across the country and plans to set up fully computerised office in every state.
Monitoring cells in every state is aimed at ensuring availability of essential drugs to the common man, particularly the economically weaker sections of the society. Every cell would have online connectivity with the NPPA office to help online filing of complaints.
The move is aimed at improving the flow of information from the states on issues such as over pricing, ceiling price and non-availability of drugs across the country.
The regulator has also started sending online compendium both in English and Hindi. These easy-to-understand facts about the drug prices would help the state machinery prevent overcharging even in remote areas.
Setting up of an appellate tribunal for drugs would facilitate speedy disposal of such cases which are currently being heard by the high courts. The regulator is also conducting workshops for drug inspectors in states to impart working knowledge of drug pricing control order. It has also drafted a simple online complaint-filing format that would be sent to the authority with appropriate information.
Currently, the penalties on drug companies, both domestic and multinational, add up to Rs 1,155 crore. The authority, so far, has recovered only about Rs 100 crore where the companies agreed to deposit the amount. However, in cases where the sum was large, the drug companies have moved court.