The Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers was held in New Delhi today. The subject for the meeting was National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA). The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar, chaired the meeting. It was attended by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya, and Hon’ble Members of Parliament- Shri Sudheer Gupta, Shri Virendra Singh, Ms Kahkashan Perween, Shri Mohd. Ali Khan, Shri Ramnath Thakur, Shri Mahendra Singh Mahra, Shri R Gopalakrishnan and Shri Hari Narayan Rajbhar.A presentation was made on the behalf of NPPA, showing its activities and steps taken by it to regulate the prices of medicines falling under the National List of Essential Medicines. The customer friendly initiatives and the e-initiatives taken by the Authority were also presented. Hon'ble MPs gave their suggestions and recommendations for improving the system of providing affordable medicines to the poor people.Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya briefed the Members about the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Scheme.
He said that he has sought the cooperation of all MPs in opening as many Jan Aushadhi Kendras in their constituencies. Shri Mandviya also said that the government aims to open 3000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country this year. He added that over 500 medicines are being provided in these kendras at cheap rates.Shri Ananth Kumar explained the steps taken by the Government in bringing more medicines under the price contro. He said the consumers have been saved over Rs 5000 due to the Government’s interventions. He sought the cooperation of all MPs in expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras. He said that government also intends to setup the Indian council of Fertilizers and Nutrients Research so that research can be undertaken for providing appropriate fertilizers and manures to the farmers. He said Neem coated urea is helping in balanced use of fertilizers and reducing the use of pesticides.