Announcing two special institutes, Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) and Central Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (CICET), for the city, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anant Kumar said the Central government is working towards building a ‘Swasth Bharat’.
Addressing a press conference in Dadar, he said, “Our government is using the 3A formula for health care, which stands for authenticity, availability and affordability. All drugs and medicines should be authentic, that is, they should be approved by the WHO. Also, medicines should be available and affordable to all.”
Hailing the move to cap the prices of coronary stents, Mr. Kumar said more than five lakh cardiac patients across the country will benefit from it. “All hospitals and healthcare centres should abide by the stipulated prices. If they overcharge, a 15% tax will be levied in addition to the illegal surcharge as a fine. Criminal prosecution and revoking of licenses may also be considered.”
Mr. Kumar said two pharma apps launched by the government have become popular. “The app Pharma sahidaam will help you know the correct prices of medical products to prevent exploitation. The other, Pharma Jan Samadhan , will help in raising complaints and grievances with the government on a range of healthcare issues.”
Promoting the Prime Minister’s subsidised medicine scheme Jan Aushadhi, he said. “The lower middle class and and middle class usually set aside ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 every month for medicines. When you go to Jan Aushadhi outlets, you’ll get the same medicines for around ₹1,500. Under generic medicines, if a pill costs you ₹10, you’ll get it for ₹3. We are bringing down prices of medicines for chronic diseases as well.”
Emphasising the need for specialised plastic and chemical institutes, he said there is a requirement of 8.5 lakh plastic technicians but the country is producing only around 65,000. “To address this, we’ll be starting a Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology. Mumbai is a hub for chemical industries, which are in need of quality chemical engineers. The government will also start a Central Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology. These will be on par with IITs and IIMs.”
