The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Proposal to extend health benefits to APL category

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Sunday, Aug 17, 2008
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Kerala - Kochi

Proposal to extend health benefits to APL category

Staff Reporter

Panel to regulate prices of life-saving drugs

State to ensure supply of medicines to the poor
Steps to check malpractices in drugs distribution

KOCHI: Health Minister P.K. Sreemathi said here on Saturday that the State government would consider extending benefits of medical aid to those Above Poverty Line (APL).

Delivering the inaugural address at a State meet of the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association, the Minister said the government was actively considering a proposal to provide the benefits to the APL category.

She said those in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category have been receiving the benefits provided by the government.

Ms. Sreemathi said the Health Ministry had approved a proposal to form an advisory council to regulate the prices of life saving medicines. The All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association will have representation in the council, she said. The Minister said the government would ensure supply of medicines to the poor at reasonable prices. Steps would be taken to check malpractices in the manufacturing and distribution of medicines in the State, she said.

J. S. Shinde, general secretary of the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, delivered the keynote address.

Mr. Shinde also inaugurated a renovated meeting hall and office of the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association.

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