The Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Ananth Kumar launched Pharma Price Data Bank here today. It is an integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System, managed and operated by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). Speaking at the release ceremony, the Minister said that this is the first data bank of Pharma industry that will help the manufacturers, regulator as well as the common masses. He said that now Manufacturers can fill their mandatory forms online, the Government and NPPA can have comprehensive data, and consumers can benefit by having full information about the medicines. Shri Ananth Kumar said that 21st century is the era of information, and information is power. He called for ushering in next generation of reforms in the pharmaceutical industry so that the consumers are empowered to make right choice of medicines, based on complete information about the products, their composition and their rates. Shri Ananth Kumar expressed the hope that the availability of real time data will help in better policy interventions. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said that the Government is working for the welfare of the society. Appreciating the initiative of NPPA, he expressed the hope that the database will benefit the common man.
The Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Dr. V.K. Subburaj said that the Databank will help in simplification of procedures. He expressed the hope that online system will become popular and companies will provide complete and timely information. Pharma Price Data bank is an integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System that will be used by pharma manufacturers/marketing/ importer/ distributor companies to make online submission of mandatory information/data as prescribed under the Drugs Price Control Order, 2013. Facility for submitting application for price fixation of new drug is also available. NPPA is already operating another portal “Pharma Jan Samadhan” that registers complaints about shortage or overcharging for medicines. The NPPA Chairman Shri I. Srinivas said that over 10,000 manufacturers making over one lakh formulations are there in the country, and this online compilation will help in better monitoring and oversight of the industry.