IMA urges Govt to come out with ordinance reg drug prices

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday urged the Government to come out with an urgent ordinance for one drug-one company-one price policy.

''We are often blamed for prescribing costly drugs. From today onwards, all doctors in the country shall choose affordable drugs,'' Indian Medical Association (IMA) President Dr KK Aggarwal told media persons here.

He said doctors should actively participate in ensuring that no hospital sells any item priced higher than the MRP.

''No service charges should be added to procure drugs from outside. MRP shall not be dictated by the purchaser,'' Dr Aggarwal said.

He said the IMA has also announced the formation of an IMA Medical Redressal Commission at the state level (in each state) to engage in social, financial, and quality audits of health care (Suo moto or on demand).

Dr Aggarwal said the commission will have a public man, an IMA office bearer, one former state medical council representative, and two subject experts. The commission will consider every grievance in a time-bound manner. An appeal to the state commission will be heard by the "Head-quarters IMA Medical Redressal Commission" which will have the powers to take suo moto cases also. The headquarters will also suggest reforms in healthcare on the periodic basis.