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Through amendment in the Patents Act, 1970, product patent regime has been introduced for drugs (medicines). The existing patent law in the country provides for a strong and comprehensive set of safeguards, and inter-alia, has effective provisions to ensure availability of pharmaceutical products at reasonable price through compulsory licensing. Many of the drugs already in the Indian market, including those in the National List of Essential Medicines 2003, are off-patent and their prices would not get affected by the new patent regime. This also would not have an immediate impact on the availability and prices of medicines.
This information was given by the Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Steel, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
BJ/PM
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