Report on Drugs Act to be tabled during budget session: Heptullah

Chennai, Feb 8 (UNI) The Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation, which has been holding discussions with various stake-holders on implementation of amended schedule 'M' of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2001, will table its report before Parliament during the coming budget session, Committee Chairperson Dr Najma Heptullah said today.

The six-member Committee, comprising Rajya Sabha MPs, had been examining the problems of drug and pharmaceutical industry and holding consultations with various stake-holders across the country, she told reporters here.

Dr Heptullah said the Committee would next move on to Bangalore and then to New Delhi for discussions.

The deliberations would be compiled and the report would be positively submitted during the session commencing on February 23, she added.

The amendment of Schedule 'M' of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2001, had brought in stringent norms for drugs manufacturing and required drug manufacturers to comply with upgradation of technology and quality standards.

The Committee today commenced its two-day discussions with drug manufacturers and officials of Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Department.

Besides holding consultations on amendment to Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2001, it would also discuss establishment of new medical colleges.

UNI