The inordinate delay in the finalization of the proposed National Pharmaceutical Policy is proving to be a valuable opportunity for the industry associations to push their views with the powerful members of the Group of Ministers (GoM) sitting over the crucial document.
With the second meeting of the GoM is yet to be fixed, the associations have been making use of the time for lobbying with the members through formal and information interactions.
A number of associations have met many of the seven-member group already and have sought time to impress upon with other panel members against the price control mechanism, that they have been fighting against.
"We have met the Commerce Minister recently to apprise him about our views on price control issue and briefed to him in detail. We will also meet other members of GoM as and when time is given, possibly ahead of the next meeting itself," said a spokesman from the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA).
Industry sources said, other associations also had some meetings informally and formally with the GoM members, especially those who have been against more bridles on the pharma industry that is seeking level-playing plateau with the global competitors.
The indefinite delay also is a welcome reprieve for the industry as it would delay the price control regime on the essential medicines. Besides lobbying to get it delayed maximum, the leading players are also working out strategies to circumvent the possible curbs. Aggressive marketing of substitute products, which will fall beyond the price control bracket, is one of the ideas toyed by the manufacturers.
Meanwhile, official sources still claimed that the date for the next meeting was yet to be fixed. It could be also possible that the meeting would be held with a short notice, depending on the availability of the members, they said.
Though Chemicals Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has written to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who is heading the elite panel, for an early decision on the policy, the latter has been heavily pre-occupied with lot of other engagements especially the messy Indian cricket administration as its chief.
After the policy, which was to come out last year, was passed on to the GoM in January by the cabinet. The first meeting was held on April 10. The members of the GoM include Chemicals Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman, Planning Commission.