Chemicals ministry calls meeting industry leaders on MRP, bilingual labelling on August 24
Our Bureau, New Delhi

The Union Chemicals Ministry has called for an interaction with the representatives of pharmaceutical industry on August 24 to find an amicable way to end the industry complaints related to the implementation of MRP inclusive of all taxes and bi-lingual labelling on drugs. With October 2, the deadline for the requirement, fast approaching, and the meeting would be very crucial for the industry.

According to government sources, the meeting has been called because of repeated complaints from the industry on the practical difficulties of implementing the orders. The industry feels that the MRP inclusive regime cannot be in place unless the government comes out with a particular formula to ensure that all varied taxes and levies across various states are absorbed in the final MRP. On bi-lingual labelling, industry feels that the Chemicals Ministry has no right to enter into the domain of the Health Ministry.

"There is specific mention about labelling in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Any change in labelling can be thought of only after the matter gets cleared by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). One should also consider the fact that Hindi is not read in several South Indian and North Eastern states of the country. Several state governments have already expressed reservation against mandatory Hindi labelling on medicines. They have instead asked for mandatory labelling on regional languages. This proposal, if implemented, can cause immense hardships to companies," industry sources informed.

While the Chemicals Ministry had amended the Drugs (Prices Control) Order 1995 to announce Drugs (Prices Control) Amendment Order, 2006 to enforce 'maximum retail price inclusive of all taxes' to be printed on packs of medicines, with effect from October 2, 2006, it has given only a circular on the issue of bilingual labelling.

Courtesy : www.pharmabiz.com
21st August 2006

This Site is developed and maintained by Prashant H. Pandya
Site updated on Monday, August 21, 2006 8:01 PM
© Confederation of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry (ssi)