Pharma regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has asked drug companies to come forward with more data, so that it can have an objective basis for setting drug prices under the new pricing regime.
A recent seminar organised by research providers Pharma Solutions and AIOCD AWACS in New Delhi saw the regulator seek feedback from the industry and other stakeholders on the new drug pricing policy. NPPA would make public its drug ceiling price calculation shortly, it said.
Speaking at the seminar, NPPA Chairman C.P. Singh said many drug companies were not very forthcoming with data that could help the regulator fix the ceiling prices for essential drugs that were brought under price control. As a result, the ceiling prices arrived at so far did not fulfil the objectives of the policy.
It aimed at bringing in more transparency, openness and objectivity in setting drug prices, he said.
Singh expressed willingness to hold discussions with industry bodies and companies to address specific issues. The regulator was a partner in progress and not an adversary, he said.