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Buprenorphine, _the de-addiction drug to be placed under the Drug Price Control Order.

Punjab Editorial.

Topic:- Health and Youth Affairs.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority ( NPPA) is keen on putting this drug under the control so that its price could be regulated.

This de-addiction drug has become the focus of a lucrative business.The de-addiction drug mafia business has soared to rupees 1000 crores.
WHO had placed Buprenorphine in the list of essential medicines
3 WHO had also made this drug a human right back in 2005.

Around 6 crore Buprenorphine tablets are sold every year.
Many private clinics are making huge money out of this business.
The government outdoor Opioid Assistance Treatment Clinics also give this tablet free of cost.
Also, the private clinics are charging a huge price for a pack of 10 Buprenorphine tablets ( around rupees 275), whereas the government had priced it at rupees 70 per pack.
Huge consultation and counselling fees are also taken by such private de-addiction centres.

It is a government regulatory agency that controls the prices of essential pharmaceutical drugs in India.
It was formed in 1997.
It is headquartered in New Delhi.

To deal with all legal matters arising out of the decisions of the Authority.
To monitor the availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and to take remedial steps.
To collect/ maintain data on production, exports and imports, market share of individual companies, the profitability of companies etc, for bulk drugs and formulations.
To undertake and/ or sponsor relevant studies with respect to the pricing of drugs/ pharmaceuticals.
To recruit/ appoint the officers and other staff members of the Authority, as per rules and procedures laid down by the Government.

Buprenorphine, sold under the brand name Subutex, among others, is an opioid used to treat opioid addiction, acute pain, and chronic pain.
For opioid addiction, it is typically only started when withdrawal symptoms have begun and for the first two days of treatment under direct observation of a health care provider.

Punjab government should go all out in weeding out the drug problem, which is the main issue.
Increased awareness and participation of youth groups would be an extremely important task in this regard.
The financial support of rich non- resident Indian could also be taken.
International NGOs and other Groups could also be roped in for this.

Source:- The Tribune)