Government News

- Read more about Pricing of 390 Anti-Cancer Non-Scheduled Medicines reduced up to 87%
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, today put out list of 390 anti-cancer non-scheduled medicines with MRP reduction up to 87%. The revised prices would come into effect from 8th March, 2019.
- Read more about Increased risk of blood clots in lungs and death with higher dose of Xeljanz (tofacitinib) for rheumatoid arthritis: EMA
EMA is advising healthcare professionals and patients not to exceed the recommended dose of Xeljanz (tofacitinib) when treating rheumatoid arthritis. The advice follows early results from an ongoing study (study A3921133) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis which showed an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs and death when the normal dose of 5 mg twice daily was doubled.
- Read more about Health Ministry takes stock of the public health measures for controlling West Nile Virus
A section of the media has reported that a seven year old boy from Malappuram District of Kerala is suffering from a West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne disease, mostly reported in the continental United States. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare is closely monitoring the situation and has spoken to the State Health Minister of Kerala in this regard. He has directed for all support to be extended to Kerala in its prevention and management.
- Read more about PCI to establish digital learning platform for Pharmacists
Pharmacy council of India (PCI) announced for digital learning platform for pharmacists and it will be helpful for pharmacists to gain knowledge as per PCI members. As per PCI, continuous learning of pharmacists will be supported through their digital platform.
12 March 2019

Pharmacist’s issues addressed to drug regulators and governments bodies at NPCC

National Pharmacist Convention was organized on 9th-10th March at Guwahati, gate way of North East India. The conference was aimed to uplift social and official status of pharmacy profession in association with Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and Assam Pharmacy Council (APC).
- Read more about Significant Reduction in Cancer Drug Prices due to Trade Margin Capping
Cancer is one of the leading causes of adult illness and death due to chronic non-communicable diseases in India. India is witnessing a steady rise in cancer incidence. The number of incident-cases has risen from 8 lakh in 2004 to an estimated 15 lakh (annually) by 2018. Even with nearly two third of patients eventually dying of this disease, an estimated 22.5 lakh patients are currently living with cancer in India.
- Read more about Countries are spending more on health, but people are still paying too much out of their own pockets : WHO
Health spending is made up of government expenditure, out-of-pocket payments (people paying for their own care), and sources such as voluntary health insurance, employer-provided health programmes, and activities by non-governmental organizations.
- Read more about Ministry of AYUSH introduced new Central Sector scheme for promoting Pharmacovigilance of AYUSH Drugs
Ministry of AYUSH has introduced new Central Sector scheme for promoting pharmacovigilance of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Drugs. Prime objective of the scheme is to develop the culture of documenting adverse effects and undertake safety monitoring of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and surveillance of misleading advertisements appearing in the print and electronic media. The Standing Finance Committee (SFC) chaired by Secretary (AYUSH) approved the scheme on 1st November, 2017 and thereafter it was rolled out for implementation in the country near the end of financial year 2017-18.
- Read more about US$ 43.5 million needed to provide life-saving health aid in Libya in 2019: WHO
The World Health Organization and health partners are appealing for US$ 43.5 million to provide life-saving interventions for 388 000 people inside Libya affected by ongoing conflict.
- Read more about 12500 health and wellness centres need to be identified across the country for rendering AYUSH services: Shri Shripad Naik
The fourth Conference of AYUSH/Health Ministers of States/UTs was inaugurated by the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in New Delhi today. The day long conference was organized by the Ministry of AYUSH to provide an opportunity to States/UT to interact with each other for the development of AYUSH sector. The conference was attended by AYUSH/Health Ministers/Secretaries and officials from 29 States/UTs; senior officials of AYUSH Ministry and representatives of AYUSH organizations.