Health ministry pushes for end to sale of branded drugs

At last, thanks to Amir Khan (and forthcoming Elections), the
government has woken up.
SEE HOW MANY COMMENTS HAVE APPEARED IN just a DAY
Real freedom from the menace of looting via branded drugs will end
ONLY when GOI insists of reasonable prices on packages / strips (MRP)
as against high margin rates currently in vogue.

===============================================

Health ministry pushes for end to sale of branded drugs
Kounteya Sinha, TNN | Oct 16, 2012, 06.12AM IST
Comments (205)


Medicines in India may not be sold under brand names in the near future.

NEW DELHI: Medicines in India may not be sold under brand names in the
near future.

In its biggest move to push generic drugs and do away with brand
names, the Union health ministry has ordered states to stop issuing
licence for the manufacture or sale of drugs on the basis of their
brand name.

All pharmaceutical firms applying for licence to market or manufacture
fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs will have to submit their generic
name and not as brands with immediate effect. The move will
substantially reduce medicines' prices.

For example, Crocin will cease to exist, and it will be marketed and
sold as paracetamol.

Drug controller general of India Dr G N Singh said, "We want to
gradually move towards a future where we will not issue any brand or
trade names. We are going all out to push generic drugs solely for the
benefit of the public."

He added, "We have sent the order to all state health secretaries
asking them to instruct their drug licencing issuing authority to
issue licences only on generic names and not on branded or trade
names, which is the usual practice now. A branded drug can be 10 times
more expensive than a generic variant."

The parliamentary standing committee in its recent scathing report had
also expressed strong objection to the practice of issuing licences on
brand names.

The matter was then taken up in the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC)
meeting on July 20, 2012.

A letter written by director in the health ministry Sanjay Prasad
says, "Instances were brought to the notice of the central government
that the licencing authorities of many states have been granting
licences for manufacture of new drugs, including FDCs, in violation of
drugs and cosmetics rules."

"It was reiterated in the DCC meeting that such license for new drugs
for unapproved FDCs must not be granted by any state licencing
authorities," stated the letter to state health secretaries.

The ministry has been going all out to promote generic medicines. It
has made mandatory for all doctors in the public sector to prescribe
generic drugs and not brands. Doctors have warned that strong action
will be taken against doctors found prescribing brands.

Low public sector availability forces patients to purchase medicines
from private sector, where prices are usually higher.

A World Health Organization study recently found that generic
medicines were available only in 20%-40% of public health clinics
surveyed. In comparison, 40%-60% of private health facilities had
adequate stock of generic drugs. The sub-national surveys were carried
out in Chennai, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan and West
Bengal.

WHO said, "More than half of public facilities lack essential medicines."

Around 78% of healthcare expenditure in India is out-of-pocket of
which 72% is spent on medicines.

National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) records show that the
highest out-of-pocket expenditure on drugs is in Himachal Pradesh
(87.95%), followed by Uttarakhand (87.75%), Bihar (84%), Rajasthan
(83%), Uttar Pradesh (81.86%) and Chhattisgarh (81.38%). In larger
states like Maharashtra 60% of out-of-pocket expenses are for buying
drugs, Karnataka (65%), Delhi (74%), Tamil Nadu (66%), Madhya Pradesh
(71%) and West Bengal (65.80%).

India is also opening Jan Aushadhi, a countrywide chain of medical
stores, to make generic and other drugs available at reasonable
prices.

However, only few stores have been opened in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi,
Haryana, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

The health ministry is also gearing up to make "Free medicine for all
through Public Health Facilities" in all government health facilities
a reality from next month.

The sharp increase in prices of drugs has been the main reason for the
rising costs of healthcare, which more than tripled between 1993-94
and 2006-07. Between 1993-94 and 2004-05, compared to a 67% rise in
real per person income and an 82% increase in per person tax
collections, real per person public health expenditure rose from Rs 84
to Rs 125. The paltry spending by states on purchasing drugs has only
compounded poor patients' problems.

Drug prices have also shot up phenomenally in India over the past
decade and a half.

India reported around 40% spurt in all drug prices between 1996 and 2006.
===============

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Health-ministry-pushes-for-end-to-sale-of-branded-drugs/articleshow/16831146.cms

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.

I thank Sri B Ramesh for alerting me on this piece of news.

========

MRPS leader bats for senior citizens

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

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Manda Krishna plans 50-day yatra seeking hike in pensions

Manda Krishna

Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi president, Manda Krishna, who earlier spearheaded the cause of disadvantaged sections of society, including children with congenital heart diseases, has now turned his focus on problems faced by senior citizens and widows.

He will launch a 50 day-long 'Yuddhabheri Yatra', starting from Nellore on Sunday, covering all districts before ending it over a four-day period in Hyderabad from November 22. His primary demand is a hike in pensions from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000 per month, considering the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and living costs.

Official statistics indicate that Old Age Pensions and Widow Pensions are currently disbursed to 37,84,862 and 20,277,90 persons, respectively, in Andhra Pradesh. "Among other things, my focus is on telling people how grossly inadequate this pension of Rs. 200 a month is, for these disadvantaged sections is," he said, adding that financial woes apart, there were several other social problems plaguing them.

At a press conference here on Saturday, he regretted that successive Congress governments headed by the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, K. Rosaiah and now Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy had ignored promises made in the party's election manifesto. Agreeing to a Rs. 200 monthly pension for senior citizens and widows, the Centre had asked State governments to match it and even go higher if they could, he recalled, regretting that in Andhra Pradesh, though, only Rs. 200 was being paid.

Starting from Nellore on October 7, Mr. Krishna would cover Chittoor on October 8 & 9, Anantapur (10 & 11), Kadapa (12 & 13) and Kurnool (14 & 15), traversing Prakasam on October 16 & 17. His planned route will take him to Guntur, Krishna, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam Urban and Rural, East and West Godavari, Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar and Ranga Reddy before entering Hyderabad on November 22.

==========

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.
sss-global has crossed 1,20,000 messages since beginning.

UP Govt plans Old Age Homes in every district

Our SEnior Citizens Protest Activity of AISCCON is paying off.
=====================================
LUCKNOW: An old age home will be constructed in all the districts of
the state. An announcement to this effect was made by Avdhesh Prasad,
social welfare minister UP during a television programme held on
Saturday. He informed that Rs 30 crores have been sanctioned by the
Centre in this regard.

In another development, he said that the financial aid given to
scheduled caste and scheduled tribe families for getting their
daughters married and achieving higher education would also be
increased. The minister informed that the process of fund transfer
would be made electronic and the money would be transferred to the
account of the beneficiary. The step has been taken to check
corruption. Reiterating his party's commitment to ensure that every
person in need gets his due, he said the SP government is functioning
in the way a welfare state should do.


====
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Government-plans-old-age-homes-in-all-dists/articleshow/16706337.cms

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.
sss-global has crossed 1,20,000 messages since beginning.

Vayosherestha Samman 2012

Vayoshrestha Samman, 2012

Shri Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment and Shri
Sushil Kumar Shinde, Minister for Home Minister conferred
"Vayoshrestha Samman 2012 – National Awards for Senior Citizens at
Vigyan Bhavan today.



Speaking on the occasion Shri Mukul Wasnik said, "On
14thDecember 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated 1st
October as International Day of Older Persons. This day is a very
special day for our Ministry as Senior citizens are one of the most
important part of our community. We take great pleasure in organizing
this function, to honour eminent senior citizens and institutions
working for the cause of the elderly. This year, keeping in view the
increasing safety and security problems that are being faced by our
senior citizens, our ministry identified "Security for Senior
Citizens" as the theme for International Day of Older Persons, 2012,
which include physical, financial ,emotional and other securities. And
we are fortunate to have the Hon'ble Union Home Minister with us today
who would enlighten us about the various measures being taken and
proposed to be taken for the safety and security of the senior
citizens.

Vayoshreshtha Samman is a humble recognition of the relentless
strivings and inspiring achievements of our eminent senior citizens
and Institutions who are working for the cause of elderly. It is
indeed a moment of great pride for me as we have assembled here today
to honour some of the exemplary senior citizens and institutions of
our country who have re-defined the meaning of self-realization.

As you may be knowing, a demographic revolution is underway throughout
the world. Today, world-wide, there are around 600 million persons
aged 60 years and over; this total will double by 2025. In our fast
ageing world, older people will increasingly play a critical role -
through transmitting experience and knowledge, volunteer work, helping
their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their
participation in the work force. Such contributions to development can
only be ensured if senior citizens enjoy security and adequate levels
of health and we all need to equip ourselves to meet these demanding
situations.

Our Ministry has put in place the National Policy on Older Persons
(NPOP) with a view to address the various issues relating to ageing in
a comprehensive manner. I would like to share with you that keeping in
view of the changing demographic pattern and socio-economic changes,
our Ministry is in advance stage of formulating a new National Policy,
which is expected to address the concerns of the elderly, with a view
to helping them live a productive and dignified life.

Our Ministry is implementing a grant-in-aid Scheme of Integrated
Programme for Older Persons (IPOP). Under the scheme financial
assistance is provided to voluntary organizations for running and
maintenance of various projects such as old age homes, day care
centres, physiotherapy clinics, regional resource and training
centres, etc. Keeping in view the rising cost of living, our Ministry
is considering the revision of cost norms of these various projects.

To develop a frontline cadre of caregivers to ensure quality care at
home for the elderly, National Institute of Social Defence, an
autonomous body under our Ministry has been conducting a number of
training courses on Geriatric Care. To address the healthcare problems
of the senior citizens, the Government has introduced the National
Programme for Health Care for Elderly (NPHCE) starting from the year
2010-11 with a basic aim to provide separate and specialized
comprehensive health care to the senior citizens. Besides, the
Government has introduced various facilities and concessions for the
senior citizens such as old age pension, income tax rebate, concession
in rail and air fare, higher interest rates in deposits, etc.

On legislation front, enactment of The Maintenance and Welfare of
Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is a major milestone in this
direction. However, it is very unfortunate that the implementation of
the Act across the country has been unsatisfactory. We therefore, need
to join hands together to ensure that this important piece of
legislation is implemented in the right spirit.

But much more than this, what our senior citizens require is a sense
of belongingness, sense of being part of the family and a little
warmth. We must remember the wrinkles on their faces are because of
the hard work they have done so that we, the next generation is able
to live a better life. It is now our responsibility to help them lead
a meaningful and healthy life. These inter-generational bondings are
the need of the hour.

On this day, on behalf of the Government, we reaffirm our commitment
to make India safe for senior citizens. I would also request you all
to help those elderly who are less fortunate and do not have family or
adequate resources by extending the support of caring communities.

I once again congratulate all the Vayoshreshtha Samman 2012 awardees
and I wish you would keep inspiring us for many more years to come. I
also take this opportunity to congratulate NISD, officers of the
Ministry, NGOs and all of you who have come together to make this
programme a memorable one.

Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Minister for Home Affairs congratulated the
awardees and said the Ministry of Home Affairs issued advisory to
State Governments to ensure the life and property of senior citizens
is fully protected. The advisory includes - direction to Police
departments to pay special attention to security to the life and
property of older persons and keeping a friendly vigil; identification
of pockets inhibited by older persons; persons visit to the homes of
the older persons; setting up of helpline for the welfare of older
persons etc.

The Vayosreshtha Samman is given by the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment each year to recognize the exemplary contribution of
senior citizens in various fields and outstanding institutions working
for the welfare of the elderly. Vayosreshtha Samman 2012 Awards were
conferred by Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde and Shri Mukul Wasnik to the
following:

Institution Award for Knowledge: All India Senior Citizens
Confederation, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Institution Award for Services: Yanam old Age Home, Pudducherry; All
Manipur Senior Citizens Welfare Association Imphal (Manipur)

Best Panchayat Award: Pulamanthol Gram Panchayat, Mallapuram, Kerala

Individual Awards

Centenarian Award: Dr. Shanti Giridhar Lal, Mumbai

Best Mother Award: Smt. Shefali Chaudhary, Kolkata (Posthumously)

Life Time Achievement Award: Shri M. M. Sabharwal, New Delhi

Creative Art Award: Shri Agni Kumar Acharjee, Agartala, Tripura

Sportsman Award: Smt. Prakash Tomar, Bagpat, U.P.; Smt. Chandro Tomar,
Bagpat, U.P.



A series of posters and a book titled " Age Care India – National
Initiative on care for elderly" were released on the occasion.

Shri Anil Goswami, Secretary, SJE, Shri Anoop Kumar Srivastava,
Additional Secretary, SJE, Shri T. R. Meena, Joint Secretary,SJE, and
Officials from the Ministry and National Institute of Social Defence,
Representatives of senior citizens associations were present on the
occasion.



*****


Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.
Please check if your registration for 7th oct get together is in the
list sent by Mr Nityanandam!!