Government drugstores to sell nutraceutical

What is the News?

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana(PMBJP) Kendras have added nutraceuticals products including protein powder and bar, malt-based food supplements and immunity bar for its customers.

What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana(PMBJP)?

Launched by: Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in 2008.

Aim: To provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

Under this, medicine is priced on the principle of a maximum of 50% of the average price of the top three brands of said medicine. Thus, the prices of Jan Aushadhi Medicines are cheaper at least by 50% and in some cases, by 80% to 90% of the market price of the branded medicines.

Implementing Agency: Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) 

Who regulates the prices of drugs in India?

In India, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority(NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceutical regulates the prices of all drugs – whether branded or generic. 

NPPA fixes the ceiling price of scheduled medicines specified in the first schedule of the Drugs(Prices Control) Order, 2013.

In the case of non-scheduled medicines, the manufacturers are free to fix the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the drug. However, DPCO provides that the same do not increase by more than 10% of their MRP during the preceding twelve months. 

What are Nutraceuticals?

The term “nutraceutical” combines two words – “nutrient” (a nourishing food component) and “pharmaceutical” (a medical drug).

It is a broad umbrella term that is used to describe any product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods.

They can be considered non-specific biological therapies used to promote general well-being, control symptoms and prevent malignant processes.

Source: This post is based on the article “Government drugstores to sell nutraceuticals” published in The Hindu on 15th Mar 2022.