This auspicious day, held with the spirited participation of the nursing students, was graced by distinguished dignitaries
Digital Desk: With a spirit of mindfulness, responsibility, and knowledge-sharing, the Assam State Pharmaceutical Price Monitoring and Resource Unit Society (AS-PMRU) successfully observed the International Day of Yoga today in the esteemed premises of the Regional College of Nursing, Guwahati. The celebration was accompanied by an informative seminar on the Interpretation of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO 2013), and a live demonstration of the ‘Pharma Sahi Daam’ app, an initiative by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Government of India.
This auspicious day, held with spirited participation of the nursing students, was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Biswajit Talukdar, Drug Controller, Assam, Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Das, Principal, Regional College of Nursing, Quri Kiron Hazarika, Inspector of Drugs, Kamrup Metro, Gaurav Kr. Bhargav, Project Co-ordinator, AS-PMRU, along with the faculty members of the institute.
The programme commenced with a morning yoga session, with guidance from the experts, Priyanka Baishya and Anamika Boro, enthusiastically participated in by students, faculty, and guests alike, in keeping with the national emphasis on promoting physical and mental well-being. The yoga session was followed by light refreshments.
The second half of the day saw the unfolding of an insightful seminar on pharmaceutical policy and pricing mechanisms in India. Shri Biswajit Talukdar, in his keynote address, provided a detailed perspective on the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, and underscored the pivotal role that Pharmaceutical Price Monitoring and Resource Units (PMRUs) play in safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring accessibility of essential medicines at regulated prices. He reiterated the commitment of the Drug Control Administration towards public awareness and regulatory enforcement.
Shri Quri Kiron Hazarika, Inspector of Drugs, Kamrup Metro, shared his field-level insights on the practical implications of DPCO compliance and the monitoring mechanisms in place across the state. His speech offered a ground-level view into regulatory actions and consumer grievance redressal.
The technical session was led by Shri Gaurav Kumar Bhargav, Project Coordinator of the AS-PMRU, who conducted a comprehensive seminar. He introduced the students to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), detailing its objectives, mandate, and functioning under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India. He elaborated on the structure and key provisions of DPCO 2013, including the concepts of ceiling price, essential medicines list, and overcharging etc.
The highlight of the session was the demonstration of the ‘Pharma Sahi Daam’ mobile application, a digital tool launched by NPPA to empower consumers to check the MRP of scheduled drugs, lodge complaints, and access detailed pricing information in real time. Participants were shown how to download, use, and navigate the app effectively.
The demonstration sparked keen interest among the audience, especially the students of the nursing college, who showed enthusiasm in adopting the app for community-level awareness.
The day-long programme culminated with the singing of the National Anthem, echoing a sense of national pride and collective resolve to contribute towards a healthier, more informed society. The event reflected the successful convergence of health, policy, and digital empowerment, aligning with the Government of India’s vision for accessible, affordable, and accountable healthcare systems.
