Karnataka drugs controller Dr BR Jagashetty has been selected as a member of the Sub-Group for the National Drugs Security which will oversee the pricing of drugs and generics.

A communiqué from the  Drugs Control General of India (DCGI) via File No. DCGI/Misc/2011/39(Task Force), stated that following the first meeting of the Task Force constitution, held under the chairmanship of Dr VM Katoch, secretary, department of Health research and director general, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) it was decided to select Dr Jagashetty as one of the members of the sub-group which had two representatives from the state drugs controller segment.

The sub-group for the National Drugs Security comprises chairman, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Association (NPPA) as chairman, joint secretary, ministry of health and family welfare, joint secretary, department of pharmaceuticals, representative of DG. DGHS, representative of IPA and IDMA, consumer association, two representatives from two state drug controllers, nominee of SPIC and representative of DCG, Dr Eswara Reddy.

Pharmabiz had reported that Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had constituted a Task Force to formulate a long term policy and strategy to strengthen the drug sector, vide order No. X 19029/04/2011-DFQC dated 31. 3. 2011.

In his capacity as a member of the  committee overseeing the pricing generic drugs, Dr Jagashetty would have to support the team in evolving and suggesting a policy framework to assure National Drugs Security which  would view aspects of pricing of drugs, encourage the production of high quality generic drugs to offer the population at affordable prices.

Further, he would also have to assist the team with inputs to devise road maps to implement all recommended strategies and measures. He would also have to offer the required expertise to  advice on any other issues incidental in the area of drug production.

The order also mandated that the Task Force would submit its report within a  period of one month from the day of its first meeting.

In April this year, Dr Jagashetty was also appointed to head the Committee for Amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules to discuss and assess the pros and cons to bring in new provisions to enable being relevant in the current context of a transformed pharmaceutical industry.