The government of NWFP has decided to review the policy regarding purchase of medicines for public sector health facilities in the province. On the demand of the pharmaceutical manufacturers a special committee was constituted to review 'Medical Coordination Cell (MCC) Policy'.
The cell is responsible for purchase of medicines for the public sector hospitals. The decision was taken in a meeting of a delegation of NWFP Pharmaceutical Association with Provincial Minister for Health Inayatullah Khan here in the Health Department.
NWFP Health Secretary Abd-us-Samad, president of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) Liaquat Ahmad Khan, senior officials of the department of health and representatives of various pharmaceutical firms were present in the meeting.
The delegation members briefed the minister about their reservations regarding the new MCC policy and demanded relaxation in the limit of Rs 15 million income as a condition for pre-qualification.
The minister directed formation of a committee, to be headed by Additional Secretary Health Dr Mohammad Zafar to review the MCC policy. The committee would comprise Deputy Secretary Drugs Ali Zahir Shah, Pharmacists Javed Mohammad and Zahid Ali, and manufacturers' representatives Zahid Arif and Riaz Arshad.
The committee was directed to submit its report in period of one week.
Secretary Health informed the delegates that the policy was prepared in the light of the guidelines approved by Federal Health Ministry. According to the new MCC policy only manufacturers can apply for pre-qualification.
Minister Inayatullah said that the provincial government would take all possible steps to encourage local pharmaceutical manufacturers to help the drugs industry flourish in the province.