SC tells govt to relook at drug pricing policy

The Supreme Court has asked the government to revisit its new National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, 2012, for fixing prices of essential medicines in the country and also the Drugs Order, 2013, notified by the government in May 2013.

"The Centre's drug pricing policy seems to be unreasonable and irrational for fixing prices at the very high level", a three judge Bench, headed by Justice TS Thakur, said.

The Bench, which also comprised Justices V Gopala Gowda and R Banumathi, asked the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers to pass a reasoned order on the representation of NGO, All India Drug Action Network, on the issue within six months after hearing all parties concerned.