Bill to repeal Drug Control Act

The Union Cabinet on Friday gave its approval for introducing a Bill to repeal the Drug Control Act, 1950.

The Act, which dealt with drug prices and the control of the sale, supply and distribution of drugs, has become defunct after the introduction of the new drug policy and drug price control. The enactment of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and classification of drugs as essential goods has made the old Act defunct.

The prices of drugs and pharmaceuticals are fixed under the provisions of the Drugs (Price Control) Order issued under this Act. The Drug Controller-General of India Dr Ashwani Kumar said: “The Act was not being followed as it had become defunct as new provisions and new laws governing sale and procurement of drugs are in place.”