Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory on April 1, 2020, became the 12th State where the Price Monitoring & Resource Unit (PMRU) has been set up by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). PMRUs have already been set up by NPPA in 11 States including Kerala, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Nagaland, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Mizoram.
The PMRU, a registered society, shall function under the direct control and supervision of State Drug Controller of Jammu & Kashmir. The unit shall be funded by NPPA for its recurring and non-recurring expenses. The PMRU shall help NPPA and State Drug Controller in ensuring availability and accessibility of medicine at affordable prices. It is also expected to organise seminars, training programmes, and other information, education and communication (IEC) activities in the areas of availability and affordability of medicine for all.
PMRU will also collect samples of medicine, collect and analyse data and make reports with respect to availability and over-pricing of medicine for taking action under the provisions of Drug Price Control Order (DPCO). This assumes added significance as PMRU, J&K, will assist NPPA and Government in checking overpricing and identifying causes & addressing local issues of shortages/hoarding in the current situation when country is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a PIB release.