| |NOVEMBER 20248AIIMS DIRECTOR PROPOSES INTEGRATION OF AYURVEDA AND MODERN ALLOPATHYNPPA ISSUES MEMORANDUM TO COMPANIES FOR PRICE REDUCTION ON CANCER DRUGSDr. Puranik was addressing the second Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Ayurvedic Medical College (IAMC) at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). Emphasizing the integration of biotechnology and genetics with Ayurvedic practices, he underscored the importance of research in understanding the benefits and potential side effects of Ayurvedic medicines.Speaking to an audience of doctors, staff, and enthusiastic students, Dr. Puranik highlighted the need for a research-driven approach in healthcare. "Research is essential to understand the full spectrum of medicine effects. Even in allopathy, we recommend yoga exercises.Students should carry a research mindset throughout their careers," he advised.The Foundation Day celebrations marked IAMC's successful first year since receiving approval from the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine under USTM. The program began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Dr. Puranik, Dr. Swapan Kr. Chakraborty, former Head of the Department of Rog Nidan at Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati; Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM; Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, Pro Vice Chancellor of USTM; and Dr. B.K. Das, Principal of PIMC.Dr. Rama Kanta Sharma, Principal of IAMC, delivered the welcome address, followed by an insightful address from Prof. G.D. Sharma on the potential of Ayurveda and IAMC's mission.Dr. Swapan Kr. Chakraborty spoke on Ayurveda as a holistic way of life, while Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah praised Ayurveda's rich traditions and envisioned a bright future for Ayurvedic medicine, inspiring young Ayurvedic doctors to advance clinical and pharmaceutical research. POThe government has instructed companies to reduce the prices of three anti-cancer drugs in order to pass on the benefits from customs duty exemptions and reductions in GST to consumers. In line with the government's commitment to ensuring that drugs remain affordable, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has issued a memorandum directing the manufacturers of these drugs to lower the maximum retail price (MRP) for Trastuzumab, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab.This action follows the announcement made in the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, which exempted these three anti-cancer medicines from customs duty, as stated by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.On July 23 of this year, the Department of Revenue, part of the Ministry of Finance, issued a notification reducing the customs duty on these drugs to zero.As a result, the ministry emphasized that there should be a corresponding reduction in the MRP of these drugs in the market, ensuring that the benefits of reduced taxes and duties are passed on to consumers. Consequently, the NPPA has directed all manufacturers of the mentioned drugs to lower their MRP accordingly. POTOP STORIES
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