Drug Price Hike Allowed Based on Minimal Wholesale Price Index Increase
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Agency (NPPA) has issued a notification on permitting a hike in drug prices based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). This increase is by a very small margin based on a slight increase in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for 2023 as compared to 2022.
Review Of Controversial Drug Combinations
The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) subcommittee will convene on April 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM via WebEx video conferencing. During this meeting evaluate they will evaluate the safety and efficacy of 16 Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs. Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the virtual meeting and present their case to the committee.
DCGI Meeting with Stakeholders on March 28th Stands Cancelled
This cancellation is due to unforeseen work commitments for the DCGI. The CDSCO encourages stakeholders to contact the CDSCO’s Public Relations Cell (PRO Cell) to reschedule their meetings for a more suitable date. This applies particularly to those stakeholders located outside of Delhi.
Extension In Deadline For Seeking NBEMS Accreditation
The NBEMS has extended the deadline for submission of applications seeking accreditation for DNB, DrNB, FNB, and Post MBBS Diploma. Initially set for March 15, 2024, the deadline for online application submission has been extended to April 30, 2024.
Union Health Ministry & NDMA Issue Advisory on Hospital Fire Prevention
The advisory underscores the necessity for State Health Departments and State Disaster Management Authorities to collaborate closely. They are directed to ensure that all accredited hospitals within their jurisdictions take immediate action on several fronts including inspections, fire NOC compliance, etc.
Deadline for Establishment of State Allied & Healthcare Councils Extended
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 mandates that every state government should establish a State Allied and Healthcare Council. Consequently, all State Governments/Union Territories must constitute State Allied and Healthcare Councils by November 25, 2024.
“Expansion of Medical Benefits: Announcement for Districts in Odisha”
In accordance with the authority granted under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, in conjunction with Regulation 95-A of the Employees’ State Insurance (General) Regulations, 1950, the Director General has designated the 01/03/2024.
Latest Drug Alert Lists for February and January
The CDSCO has stated that in the month of February 2024 it received 676 samples and tested 1,167 samples. Among these samples, it observed that 58 samples did not possess standard quality and identified 2 samples as spurious. Furthermore, in a revised report for January 2024, one specific case stood out. In particular, Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. manufactured a batch of Levetiracetam Tablets IP (Levipil 500). Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the actual manufacturer, as per the label claim, denied manufacturing the implicated batch.
Online Submission of PSURs for Medical Devices Made Mandatory
The circular states that all applicants must now submit their PSURs through the Online System for Medical Devices portal. Additionally, applicants shall also follow the checklist provided on the portal while submitting PSURs. Consequently, from April 1, 2024, the facility for offline submission of applications will no longer be available for processing.
NCAHP Reiterates It’s Exclusive Jurisdiction over Healthcare Standards
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) is currently in the process of constituting various special committees tasked with drafting the Minimum Standards of “Registration Norms,” “Practice Norms,” “Institution Standards and Guidelines,” “Professional Status,” “Clinical Establishment Norms,” and “Professional Ethics”. All decisions regarding these standards and regulations will be made exclusively by the NCAHP.
