On Tuesday, the government began a consultative discussion with the pharmaceutical and medical device industries to assess the operation of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO).

According to industry insiders, several contentious topics were discussed, including the price of patented medications, the rationalization of trade margins, the adoption of a consistent code of practices, and patient assistance initiatives.

The discussions were led by representatives from the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority. The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry proposed a graded trade margin rationalization (TMR) with "higher margins for those who are importing and assembling in India" to equalize Indian producers with international manufacturers.

(Source:https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/govt-starts-pricing-talks-on-drugs-med-devices-with-pharma-bodies/100293320 )