Monday, March 13 2006 14:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The government has decided to refer to the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, a proposal on introducing a cess for offering health insurance cover to BPL (below the poverty line) families, the Lok Sabha was informed today (Mar 13 2006).

In a written reply, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers B K Handique said the Committee of Secretaries had, on February 7, held detailed discussions on the issue of levying a cess similar to the education cess.

The Committee decided to refer the matter to the Health Ministry, which could prepare appropriate schemes within its budgetary limits, he said.

Replying to another query, the Minister said the government had formulated a Draft National Pharmaceutical Policy, 2006 based on the recommendations of a Committee headed by Joint Secretary (Pharma) and the Task Force under the Chairmanship of Planning Commission Principal Advisor Pronob Sen.

The policy has been circulated to various departments seeking their comments. The policy also contains a proposal to set up a Settlement Commission to resolve all pending cases relating to overcharging by pharmaceutical companies under the Drugs (Control) Orders issued from time to time.

Based on the feedback received from various stakeholders, the government was likely to finalise the new policy shortly, he pointed out.