DRAP has informed that Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination has submitted interim report on 06th April, 2018 in the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan in HRC No. 2858/2006 with respect to progress on the road map approved by the apex court for disposal of pending hardship cases of drugs and court cases by pharmaceutical companies after obtaining restraining orders from various courts. While giving details the spokesperson said that in the instant HRC case, DRAP had filed an application in the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan to pass appropriate orders in respect of restraining orders passed by various Civil and High Courts with respect to prices of drugs of pharmaceutical companies. The honourable Court approved a road map vide its order dated 28th February, 2018 wherein the DRAP was directed to decide all pending cases with respect to reduction, increase under hardship category of drugs and annual increase in maximum retail prices of drugs and court cases with respect to increased prices of drugs by pharmaceutical companies after obtaining restraining order from various courts. Following the road map, DRAP issued notices to pharmaceuticals concerns to make up short falls in their applications submitted for price increase under hardship category. These pharmaceutical concerns were also provided opportunity of personal hearings before the Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) with respect to reduction and increase in MRPs of drugs under hardship category and annual increase as per provisions of the Drug Pricing Policy-2105. DPC held its 2 meetings and accordingly, the honourable Court was apprised that more than 50% of the pending cases have been decided and decision on remaining cases will be taken before end of April, 2018. The honourable court was also informed that DRAP after many consultative meetings with stake holders and their associations have proposed amendments in the Drug Pricing Policy, 2015. The Policy Board of the DRAP has endorsed the proposals in its meeting held on 05th April, 2018. The revised pricing policy will be notified after approval of the Federal Government. The honourable Apex Court expressed its satisfaction and appreciated the efforts of the Ministry and Authority. The honourable court advised to complete the work as per schedule and submit comprehensive report in the first week of May, 2018. Next date of hearing has been fixed in 2nd week of May, 2018. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
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