Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 94/24

SEMINAR ON REGULATION OF PRICES BY NPPA AND INTRODUCTION TO PHARMA SAHI DAAM HELD IN MAWKYRWAT

The Meghalaya State Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (MSPMRU) today the 21st March, 2024 organised a seminar on Regulation of Prices by National Pharmaceutical and Pricing Authority (NPPA) and Introduction to Pharma Sahi Daam. The programme held at Mawkyrwat Community Hall, Mawkyrwat focused on creating awareness to the pharmacist/shop owners of the retail and wholesale shops in South West Khasi Hills District regarding price monitoring of pharmaceutical products.

Shri. I. Lawriniang, MCS, Block Development Officer, Mawkyrwat C and RD Block attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Others who attended were Shri. W. L. Snaitang, Secretary Shnong, Shri. B. C. Kharsyntiew, Senior Drugs Inspector Meghalaya, Shillong, Smt. Y. Biam, Drugs Inspector, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin, Shri. E. Tariang, District Social Welfare Officer, South west Khasi Hills District among others.

The Chief Guest of the programme, Shri. I. Lawriniang, MCS, Block Development Officer at Mawkyrwat C&RD Block, highlighted that the "Pharma Sahi Daam" mobile application aims to provide buyers with instant information regarding the prices of both scheduled and non-scheduled medicines at the time of purchase of medicines and also provides information about the prices of alternative brands of any medicines. He emphasized the government's efforts, facilitated by the NPPA, to establish a ceiling price for scheduled medicines, ensuring their availability at fair prices, and promoting the use of generic medicines.

The Block Development Officer also explained the existence of a red line on the medication strip which signifies that the medicine must not be consumed without a doctor's prescription and he encouraged doctors to promote generic medications rather than prescribing branded medicines to patients.

Speaking about the Meghalaya State Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (MSPMRU), the Senior Drugs Inspector, Meghalaya, Shillong, Shri. B. C. Kharsyntiew, highlighted that the MSPMRU was established and registered on February 1st, 2023. He further stated that the Meghalaya State Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (MSPMRU) will help licensees, and especially the consumers as its primary functions is to monitor drug pricing, ensure the availability and accessibility of medications at reasonable prices, and raise consumer awareness.

During the programme, Smt. B. Nongrum, Field Investigator, MSPMRU gave a presentation on Regulation of prices by National Pharmaceutical and Pricing Authority (NPPA) and Introduction to Pharma Sahi Daam, Drug Regulatory System in India, National Pharmaceutical and Pricing Authority (NPPA) Functions and Vision, Drug Price Control Order (DCPO) 2013, Consumer Awareness, Publicity and Price Monitoring (CAPPM) and Pharma Sahi Daam, etc.

Others who also spoke were Shri. W. L. Snaitang, Secretary Shnong Mawkyrwat, Smt. Priska. Kshiar, Drugs Inspector, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat, Shri. M. Siangshai, Project coordinator, MSPMRU and Smt. Balarisha Nongkynrih, Office Assistant MSPMRU.

Press Release No. 95/24

WORLD WATER DAY RUN ORGANISED AT AMPATI

The Office of the Executive Engineer, Public Health Engineering, Ampati, in collaboration with the District Sports Office, South West Garo Hills Ampati, proudly organized the World Water Day Run on Thursday. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and promote a healthy lifestyle among the community.

The 10 km run, which commenced at the Indoor Stadium, Ampati, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 138 runners from across the district. Among the remarkable performances, Mirest R Marak of Damalgre Village showcased exceptional athleticism, clinching the first position among male runners with an impressive timing of 17 minutes and 16 seconds. Following closely behind, Laichang T Sangma of Jaluagre Village secured the second position with a timing of 18 minutes and 12 seconds, while Kanen M Sangma of Bongpara village claimed the third position, completing the run in 18 minutes and 19 seconds.

In the women's category, Dimchi Ch Marak of Damalgre Village demonstrated remarkable determination, securing the first position by completing the run in 24 minutes and 6 seconds. Ringsechimik G Sangma of Chigitchakgre Village showcased her agility, securing the second position with a timing of 26 minutes and 13 seconds, closely followed by Rikmatchi G Sangma of Asinagre Village, who secured the third position with a timing of 26 minutes and 24 seconds.

The World Water Day Run not only fostered a spirit of healthy competition but also underscored the importance of water conservation in our communities. Through such initiatives, we strive to inspire collective action towards preserving our precious water resources for future generations.