Health Legislation

This Act amends the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act, 2003, so as to amend and delete certain definitions; provides for a period within which the Council must be appointed; provides for the appointment of chairpersons of committees established by the Council; amends provisions relating to the classification of medicines and other substances as scheduled substances; amends provisions relating to the manufacturing, packing and selling of specified Schedule 3 and specified Schedule 4 substances; deletes references to generic substitutions; substitutes references to Schedule 1, Schedule 2, Schedule 3 or Schedule 4 medicines by references to Schedule 1, Schedule 2, Schedule 3 or Schedule 4 substances; inserts provisions relating to the registration of premises engaged in the manufacturing of medicines; amends provisions relating to offences and penalties; amends provisions relating to the destruction of forfeited medicines, scheduled substances or other things; provides for the making of regulations in relation to medicines; amends provisions relating to the exclusion of medicines from the operation of the Act; amends the transitional provisions; amends provisions relating to the repeal and amendment of certain laws; and provides for matters incidental thereto.

The Act provides for the registration and control of medicines and related substances for human and animal use, establishes the Medicines Control Council, and outlines its powers and responsibilities. It includes provisions for the licensing of manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers, as well as measures to ensure the availability of affordable medicines. The Act also addresses the regulation of medicine pricing, generic substitution, labeling, and procedures for appeals and re-evaluation of registered medicines.