The Maximum Retail Prices (MPRs) of all the Medical Devices would be monitored by the Government under the provisions of Para 20(1) of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
This will ensure that no manufacturer/importer increases the MRP of a drug more than 10% of MRP during preceding 12 months, failing which penalty shall be imposed.
Important value additions:
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy (NPPP) – governs price control.
Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO) – enforces price control.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) – monitors and controls drug prices.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy-2012 – places a regulatory framework for pricing of drugs.
Miscellaneous
Azithromycin -Hydroxychloroquine Combination
The Union Health Ministry has allowed the use of Hydroxychloroquine in combination with Azithromycin under severe conditions.
The earlier guidelines which included use of Anti-HIV drugs Ritonavir-Lopinavir in high risk patients, now stand repealed.
Azithromycin is commonly used as an antibiotic.
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used in treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used in treating malaria.
Natuna Islands are within Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone but are also claimed by China.
Recently, China has sparked a major maritime confrontation with Indonesia near the South China Sea by entering waters along with dozens of Chinese fishing vessels.
