Kerala, known as God’s own country, is famed for its stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage. However, it’s not only natural beauty that sets this southern state apart: Kerala is also at the forefront of progressive legislative measures in India. It has recently distinguished itself once more by becoming the inaugural state to instigate a Price Monitoring and Research Unit (PMRU). This unit has been established to scrutinize the violation of prices of essential drugs and medicinal devices under the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO).
The Structure and Purpose of PMRU
The PMRU will function as a society with a defined composition. It will be chaired by the State Health Secretary and the Drugs Controller will serve as the member secretary. Other members will include representatives from the state government, consumer rights protection fora, and private pharmaceutical firms.
The establishment of an executive committee under the guidance of the Drugs Controller is another important element of the society. This committee will play a pivotal role in the smooth functioning and decision-making process of the PMRU.
The overarching aim of the PMRU is to establish synergy between the central and state authorities. It intends to provide technical support to the State Drug Controllers and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) in monitoring the notified prices of medicines. In addition, the PMRU will detect any violations of the provisions of the DPCO, ensure price compliance, collect test samples of medicines, and collate market-based data of both scheduled and non-scheduled formulations.
Historical Context Behind the PMRU Establishment
The conception of the PMRU has been over five years in the making. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) initially proposed such a system for the states and Union Territories against the backdrop of the absence of a field-level connection between the NPPA, the State Drugs Controllers, and State Drug Inspectors to supervise drug prices. Kerala’s action in setting up the PMRU marks a significant stride forward in addressing this gap.
National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA): An Overview
The NPPA is an organization that falls under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
| Year of Establishment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Regulate prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations |
| Present | Enforce prices and availability of medicines under DPCO, 2013 and monitor prices of decontrolled drugs to maintain reasonable levels |
Since its inception in 1997, the NPPA has been tasked with revising the prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations. Its role has since evolved to overseeing the enforcement of prices and the availability of medicines in the country under the DPCO. The prices are now fixed or revised under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013. The NPPA also keeps a check on the prices of decontrolled drugs, ensuring they remain at sensible levels.
The Objective and Vision Forward
The establishment of the PMRU in Kerala exemplifies the progressive role of state governments in India in furthering public health initiatives. By monitoring pharmaceutical prices and ensuring compliance with central rules, the PMRU aids in making essential drugs more accessible and affordable for the public. Further states’ adoption of similar units will strengthen the healthcare infrastructure across the nation ensuring better availability and affordability of healthcare.