Yet another year has also gone by. But the issues related to pharma and health sectors remain mostly unresolved, thanks to the lackadaisical manner in which the government looks at these issues. Several crucial files regarding policies and regulations related to these sectors are still stuck at various government departments with no sign of immediate disposal. The only silver lining on the otherwise gloomy horizon was the introduction of 'Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994' in Parliament at the fag end of the last session of Parliament.

Pharma companies attempt to formulate guidelines to self regulate the widely prevalent practice of wooing doctors by giving lucrative gifts, has run into trouble.

The Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA) has demanded that the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) should put up its regional offices in the major pharma hubs to promote more investments in the pharmaceutical sector. Such offices can turn to be an official platform of various pharma related government departments to hasten the procedures for the small and medium pharma entrepreneurs.

Even as the district collectors in several states have started executing recovery proceedings against several pharma companies for overcharging of various drug formulations, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has clarified that individual companies are welcome to approach the NPPA for redressing any grievances regarding the overcharging issue.