NMC’s expert committee publishes recommendations on administration of Stem Cell Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASD is a chronic condition with onset in early childhood, with core symptoms that often persist throughout the lifespan. However, its manifestations and severity may vary from person to person, and with age. Diagnosis is based on meticulous history, careful clinical evaluation by an expert supplemented by standardised checklists, rating scales and interviews. There is no “specific test” or physical investigation to diagnose ASD. Early diagnosis is imperative for developing an early intervention strategy in ASD.
Guidelines for prescribing generic medicines in public hospitals
The Press Information Bureau has released a press release on 13th December, 2022 on the guidelines for prescribing generic medicines in public hospitals. The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 formed under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (102 of 1956), provides for conduct for doctors and professional association of doctors in their relationship with pharmaceutical and allied health sector industry. Under this, any complaint of professional misconduct of a medical practitioner or professional is to be addressed by the respective State Medical Councils.
Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme for MSMEs
The Press Information Bureau has released a press release on 13th December, 2022 on pharma technology upgradation assistance scheme. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have availed the benefit under erstwhile Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance (PTUAS) scheme. However, since July 2022, PTUAS has been incorporated as a sub-scheme under the Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) Scheme.
Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP)
The Government has put in place a voluntary Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) for Pharmaceutical companies, which is in operation since 01.01.2015. The code details its mode of operation, responsibilities of the Pharmaceutical Associations in constituting the Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMP) for handling the complaints and Apex Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (AECPMP) for review, procedure of lodging a complaint, procedure of handling of complaints by the Pharmaceutical Associations and various penalty provisions.
Assurance of Quality Control of Ayush Drugs
The Press Information Bureau has released a press release on 13th December, 2022 on the assurance of quality control of ayush drugs. In this context, the ministry of Ayush has taken various steps for assured quality control of AYUSH drugs in the country. The ministry has formulated various schemes to support ayurvedic medicines production. Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) lays down Pharmacopeial Standards and Formulary specifications for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs. Further, PCIM&H also receives the samples from Government agencies for ascertaining their quality.
NPPA publishes its Draft Version Of Calculation Of Ceiling Price For 69 Formulations
These lists were added into the Schedule-1 of the Drugs (Price Control) Order (DPCO), 2013. The computation of ceiling price is based on July 2022 data under para 4 of DPCO, 2013. The ceiling price revision was announced recently after the revision of Schedule 1 of the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013 replacing NLEM 2015 with NLEM 2022,
CDSCO notifies its list of PCR Kits approved for testing of Covid-19
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has updated and expanded on its list of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Kits approved for testing of Covid-19. The list covers PCR kits produced by 270 firms over several countries. The list had previously been amended on 9.12.2021. The prior list covered merely 235 kits produced by various firms.
Programmatic interventions to encourage domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependency of medical devices
Under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Pharmaceuticals, with the tenure from FY 2020-2021 to 2028-29, five (5) industry applicants have been selected under the scheme for in-vitro diagnostic medical devices.
Press release on formulation of new vaccine policy
India will make significant investment in R&D to develop a roadmap for design and delivery of vaccine development for future pandemic.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare publishes ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’- Governance Reforms in Medical Education (2014-2022).
The booklet recognises that Health workforce is the most critical asset for health systems worldwide and in the post-pandemic era, is increasingly being recognized as a priority pillar to ensure equitable health coverage, locally, nationally and globally. The booklet goes on to state that the key area in which reforms will continue is the quality of education. The National Medical Commission (NMC) will ensure the effective implementation of a competence-based curriculum in all medical colleges, along with a focus on skill-based teaching.
