Latest news with #NPPA
Mint
11-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
India to boost production of combat medicines, pharma dept told to prepare list of drugs
New Delhi: India plans to increase the production of combat medicines, including drugs to treat burns, blood replenishers for treatment of trauma injuries such as gunshot wounds, and orthopedic implants. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has been tasked to come up with a list of such medicines and ensure an increase in their production to mitigate health risk from the ongoing conflict with Pakistan. Also Read | Health emergency plan introduced for J&K, portable hospitals in Poonch, Uri The top drug price regulator—National Pharmaceutical Price Regulator (NPPA)—has been directed by the Centre to ensure that the prices of such pharmaceutical items are brought under control. 'The department of pharmaceuticals along with the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) is preparing a list of all such medicines used for the treatment of trauma and burn injury, bullet injury and wound etc, so that the production of such pharmaceutical items can be augmented in the country to deal with any health emergency, if needed," said an official familiar with the matter. Also Read | E-pharmacies, chemists at odds as govt mulls a stop to home delivery of drugs A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by the union health minister J.P. Nadda on Friday to review the preparedness of the health sector. In a war-like situation, health expenditure significantly goes up due to higher demand for medical care, particularly for combat-related injuries and the mental health impacts of conflict. Medicines and surgical equipment like painkillers, antibiotics, gauges, orthopedic implants, blood replenishers among other products are used for the treatment of trauma injuries, bullet or gunshot wounds, etc. Also Read | India should permit easier access to over-the-counter medicines The official added that the top drug regulator has been tasked to review the companies which are manufacturing such products so that they can be and directed to increase the production of such items. 'Similarly, the NPPA has to ensure the price control of these pharmaceutical items." During the meeting, the government the reviewed the medical preparedness for handling emergency cases, deployment of ambulances; ensuring adequate availability of medical supplies including equipment, medicines, supply of blood vials and consumables; hospital readiness in terms of beds, ICU and HDU; deployment of BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) Cubes, advanced mobile trauma care units etc. 'A 24*7 control and command centre is being set up in the health ministry to monitor ongoing efforts and support states in the present times and fulfil the requirements of the state/UT governments," the official said. A senior doctor from the burns and plastic department at a government hospital said, 'We are ready to tackle any health crisis and we have adequate number of beds, medical supplies etc. In the event of trauma injury or gun shot injury, medicines like painkillers, antibiotics and requirements of blood get increased." Dr Mahesh Mangal, head of plastic surgery department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that main war-related injuries are caused by blasts and burns. "A hospital's trauma team comprising plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeon, neuro surgeon, general surgeon etc, should be capable of saving the life of the patient. Requirement of combat medicine increases during this time—which are life-saving drugs, blood and blood products, fluids, dressings, oxygen, antibiotics and painkillers." Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered.
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Business Standard
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
NPPA fixes retail prices of 84 drugs, including empagliflozin combos
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the retail prices of 84 drug combinations, including 36 variants of the off-patent diabetes drug empagliflozin, originally developed by German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The price revisions were approved during the 132nd meeting of the NPPA, held on 29 April. The authority is responsible for regulating prices of pharmaceutical products under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO). The move follows the expiry of empagliflozin's patent on 11 March, which opened the market to generic versions by multiple pharmaceutical companies. The launch of these variants has led to a significant 80–85 per cent drop in prices, prompting regulatory action to fix retail rates. Several anti-hypertension drug combinations have also been brought under the revised pricing list, based on applications from companies such as Mankind Pharma, Alkem Laboratories, Lupin, Macleods Pharmaceuticals and Micro Labs. The updated list includes anti-diabetic combinations involving empagliflozin with glimepiride, dapagliflozin and sitagliptin, based on submissions from Mankind Pharma and USV. It also covers anti-inflammatory combinations such as mefenamic acid with paracetamol, as well as blood pressure drugs containing telmisartan, cilnidipine and metoprolol succinate extended release. The NPPA notification stated that any manufacturer or marketing company failing to comply with the fixed retail prices would be required to deposit the overcharged amount, along with applicable interest, under the relevant provisions. Fixation and revision of ceiling and retail prices is a routine exercise undertaken by the NPPA, which is tasked with enforcing the provisions of the DPCO, regulating both controlled and decontrolled drug prices, and ensuring affordability of essential medicines.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Receives Annual Public Procurement Compliance Reports, Urges Digital Reforms to Curb Wastage
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially received the Annual Public Procurement Compliance Assessment Reports for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 from the Chief Executive Officer of the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), Mr. Fodie J. Konneh. The reports provide a comprehensive evaluation of public procurement practices across 178 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), local councils, and government-funded projects nationwide. They serve as a critical tool for assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and legal compliance of the public procurement system, while also identifying year-on-year progress, persistent challenges, and offering actionable recommendations for improved accountability and value for public spending. Presenting the reports on behalf of the NPPA Board, Management, and Staff, CEO Fodie J. Konneh thanked President Bio for granting audience for the presentation, which fulfills a statutory mandate to prepare an annual report on the overall functioning of the public procurement system, including a profile of procurement activities. Mr. Konneh highlighted that the reports were developed through an evidence-based assessment process, with a focus on compliance with procurement laws and regulations, contract management efficiency, trends in procurement methods and thresholds, and strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional performance. He noted a significant increase in the use of competitive procurement methods, particularly open bidding, which has become more widely adopted across MDAs. Compliance levels have improved steadily, from 40 percent in 2021 to over 60 percent in 2023. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including weak recordkeeping, insufficient procurement planning, and gaps in post-award contract management. The CEO further underscored the NPPA's commitment to driving transformative reforms, noting that since his appointment, the Authority has laid a solid foundation to digitize procurement processes. He explained that embracing digital systems would help eliminate wastage, enhance transparency, and ensure value for money in public expenditures. In his response, President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude to the NPPA leadership and staff for their diligence in compiling the reports. He reiterated his government's commitment to maximizing value for public funds through improved procurement practices and welcomed the push for digital transformation in the sector. 'As a government, we are focused on delivering value for money. That's why we have laws and institutions in place to enforce accountability,' the President said. 'I commend your reform efforts, especially in moving procurement activities online, which will reduce physical interaction with funds and minimize wastage.' President Bio acknowledged the resource constraints under which the NPPA operates but praised the team's commitment to controlling public expenditure. He encouraged the Authority to remain vigilant, stating, 'Even when some try to beat the system, your hard work must ensure that integrity prevails.' He also called on the NPPA to mentor the next generation of procurement professionals: 'Use your expertise to guide and train others. This is a statutory function and essential to public service delivery. Your continued hard work in the public interest is vital to avoiding misconceptions about the important work you do.' The presentation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the country's ongoing efforts to institutionalize transparent and efficient public procurement processes that serve the interests of the state and its citizens. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Indianapolis Star
02-05-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
IndyStar photojournalist Kelly Wilkinson recognized with prestigious NPPA Longevity Award
IndyStar staff photojournalist Kelly Wilkinson has been awarded the National Press Photographers Association's Longevity Award. Wilkinson was one of several NPPA Honors Award recipients recognized for their work in visual storytelling. The NPPA Longevity Award recognizes a photojournalist who has contributed at least 40 years of service to the industry. "I guess there is something for staying a bit longer," Wilkinson said to NPPA Past President Carey Wagner when she was notified of the recognition. "Get there early and stay late," she said of her career, mirroring a common photojournalism motto. Wilkinson's career started in 1983 working for the Atlanta Journal-Consitution. She then moved to the Gwinnett Daily News in Gwinnett County, Ga., before joining the Indianapolis Star staff in 1989. "Through her images and video, Kelly has created connections that give us a better understanding of each other despite our differences," said Max Gersh, senior visuals editor at IndyStar. "For decades, her work has introduced neighbors to each other. Her lens has focused on nearly every crack and crevice in our community." 'In Indianapolis, I joke that I've photographed everyone at least once," Wilkinson said. "I spend my days seeing through the eyes of others. And I realize that is a wonderful way to live.' Wilkinson will travel to Alexandria, Va., in May to be recognized by the organization.
Los Angeles Times
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
L.A. Times' Robert Gauthier Earns First Place Award in National Photo Contest
Los Angeles Times Staff Photographer Robert Gauthier has been recognized with a first place award for Sports Picture Story in the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) annual Best in Photojournalism contest. The awards are given annually to images, stories, videos and presentations that illuminate and resonate. Gauthier won for his series of photos depicting the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series run. 'Rob's photo story is an incredible synopsis of the Dodgers' postseason run which he covered, and captured, brilliantly from start to finish,' said Kim Chapin, Times executive director of photography. 'His first place win recognizes the perfection of imagery and the breadth of his coverage.' Gauthier said it was 'especially gratifying' that his collection of images from the Dodgers postseason journey stood out among some of the best work from photographers around the world. 'I feel I'm getting a chance to relive the thrill of capturing baseball's ultimate moments,' he said. To learn more and see the full list of winners, visit
