Usha Sharma– Mumbai
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) will conduct a pre-bid meeting for the implementation of SMS-based service for generic/branded medicines on June 3 or 4, 2013. NPPA will meet telecom service providers, companies, firms and agencies to discuss various issues which are prevailing and delaying in the implementation of SMS-based service for generic/branded medicines. It also plans to implement the service before the end of current year.
Sharing details with Express Pharma, CP Singh, Chairman, NPPA said, “In the last two years, we have invited bids twice but unfortunately not a single vendor came forward. However, this time we hope that things materialise.”
Singh while explaining the cost concerns mentioned, “In the past, one association suggested in charging Rs 3 for a single SMS and again this was not the criteria under the scheme. At present, there are many SMS-based schemes which are available at a minimum cost then why should consumers pay so much. Also, we want to be sure from our end that the data which will be shared via SMS to the end consumers is updated and do not have loopholes.”
NPPA had issued a tender on May 9, 2013 which invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from eligible companies, firms, agencies, having enough experience, infrastructure and access to MRP of all generic/ branded available and sold in various parts of India. As per the tender notice, the contract will be provided for a minimum of three years extendible with mutual consent every year.
Singh also highlighted, “We will identify the problems which are restricting the progress and will analyse these things in details post meeting. But again these actions will be taken only after the pre bid meeting.”
The objective of the SMS-based helpline is to operate an all India-based SMS helpline for general public awareness to provide information about the cheapest alternatives of minimum two allopathic medicines with generic and brand name within 160 characters which are available and sold in the market in various parts of the country. Also, it should include all schedule/NLEM/ Jan Aushadhi drugs. It also highlights that the service should be available 24 hours and all seven days.
As per the terms of reference specified by the agency, the deliverables for providers of an SMS based helpline for generic/branded medicines are as follows:
i) To deliver SMS-based information to the NPPA/individual patient queries on drug prices available in respect of different brands and generic medicines available in the market including imported medicines in finished form consisting of the same composition either in single or in combination drugs.
ii) Instant information through SMS (in 160 characters) reply on the minimum two cheapest alternatives of various generic and branded medicines of the same salt.
iii) If the query is for the price of specific brand, the SMS reply be for the latest MRP of the said brand and also for minimum two cheapest brands/ medicines within 160 characters.
iv) In case the query is for alternative without specifying any brand name, the information will be provided for cheapest alternative medicines.
v) If the query is received for the alternative in generic name, a reply on the latest market price of medicines available in different brand name based on the same drug is replied including Jan Aushadhi price wherever available.
vi) The bidder will cover a minimum 90 per cent of the pharma market on annual basis.
vii) Where the alternative cannot be suggested the replying message should state “no alternative suggested,” and need be reported to NPPA on monthly basis.
