Exclusive | Modi Govt to Study Drug Pricing Policies of China, US, EU to Make Medicines Affordable in India

To make drugs accessible and affordable in India, the Government of Narendra Modi is set to start a study of the drug price policy of at least 10 countries, including China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the United States, News18.com has learned. The Pharmacy Department (DOP) – Under the Ministry of Chemistry and Fertilizer Union – has launched a tender to find famous companies that can conduct studies on behalf of the government.

The purpose of this study is to understand the methodology of determining drug prices adopted in the international market which includes at least 10 countries. It also aims to understand the lessons learned or best practices from various countries (or regions) in terms of availability and affordability of medicine.

NPPA in Helm

According to the request document proposal (RFP) labeled ‘notification of inviting tenders’, accessed by news18.com, the supervisor of the drug price authority to determine national pharmaceutical prices (NPPA) desire to involve famous companies or research institutions to conduct research. NPPA is a dop arm.

The document title rang “to study the drug price determination policy from various countries / regions and lessons learned from these countries / regions in terms of access to medicine at affordable prices”.

The deadline for submitting a proposal is February 21, the document stated, while the selected antidote would be called for a presentation on March 1.

Studies will involve secondary sources, the top 10 countries are selected
The government, according to the document, plans to study regulatory policies or frameworks at the price of drugs from at least 10 countries (or region), to identify the best practices or lessons learned. It also plans to study the operational implementation of drug determination policies in various countries in addition to studying other policy aspects that have an impact on the availability and affordability of medicine in these countries.

“Ten minimum countries / regions that must be covered are Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, EU, England, Australia, the United States, Brazil, South Africa and Thailand,” document countries.

This study will mainly be based on secondary data sources and other information available in the public domain. It also involves interviews or discussions of focus groups (FGD) with foreign missions, relevant trade and industrial associations, exporters of drugs, foreign manufacturers to obtain feedback or their views.

According to the 18-page RFP document, the final report after the company selection must be submitted in four months. “In addition, quarterly progress must be submitted by the applicant until the final submission of the report,” he said.