The High Level Expert Group (HLEG) of the Planning Commission on Universal Health Coverage has given very good reasoning how the availability of free medicines will relieve the general public. The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) should be integrated in the existing National Rural Health Mission and such other health related drives and mission. An expanded National Essential Drug List is badly needed for the elimination of irrational drugs from prescriptions by government doctors, priority for generic medicines and, crucially, a good centralised procurement system should be developed at national level. Government should promote indigenous drugs and medicine companies should be given incentive so that we can become self dependent for medicines as a good percentage of high quality drugs are imported from other countries or the foreign companies deliver in India. The percentage of GDP expenditure on medicine need a review. Creating a healthy environment is also necessary for all citizens.
from: Shashikant Nishant Sharma
