opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1041 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Foreign Policy with Neighbouring Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Naba (Hira) Kumar Sarania

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1041

ANSWERED ON- 08/12/2023

## FOREIGN POLICY WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

## †1041. SHRI NABA KUMAR SARANIA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) the details of policy being adopted by the Government to strengthen India's foreign policy with the neighbouring countries;

(b) the details of MoUs signed by the Government with the neighbouring countries during the last three years;

(c) whether the foreign policy of India with its neighbouring countries has undergone any change during the said period; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (DR. RAJKUMAR RANJAN SINGH) (a to d) India's 'Neighbourhood First policy' continues to guide its approach towards the management of relations with countries in its immediate neighbourhood, that is, Afghanistan, Bangladesh,   Bhutan,   Maldives,   Myanmar,   Nepal,   Pakistan   and   Sri   Lanka.   The Neighbourhood First policy, inter alia, is aimed at enhancing physical, digital and people to people connectivity across the region, as well as augmenting trade and commerce.  This policy has evolved into an institutional priority for all the relevant arms of the Government managing relations and policies with our neighbourhood. In the last three years, India has signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with many of our neighbouring countries, envisaging bilateral cooperation in a wide range of domains including education, health and medical research, agriculture, trade, communication, youth and sports affairs, renewable energy, capacity building in various fields, cyber security and cultural exchanges, among others.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1039 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Research and Development of Nanotechnology
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Sanjeev Kumar Singari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1039 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 08.12.2023

## Research and Development of Nanotechnology

## 1039:  DR. SANJEEV KUMAR SINGARI:

Will the Minister o f CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any research projects have been undertaken during the last three years on nanotechnology by fertilizer PSUs and Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO);
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan to allocate separate funds for the research and development of nanotechnology in view of the demand for nano fertilizers like nano urea in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

- (a) & (b): Indian Farmers  Fertilisers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)  is working on nanotechnology based Nano Fertilisers at its IFFCO - Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC) Kalol, Gujarat and through its Joint Venture Company IFFCO-Nanoventions Private Limited. Further, IFFCO has undertaken research projects with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)Research Institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and International institutes on nanotechnology based nano fertilisers during last 3 years. Some important  research  institutes  where  research  projects  have  been  undertaken  are  ICARCentral Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal, Haryana, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad, Telangana, International Rice Research  Institute  (IRRI)-South  Asia  Regional  Centre  (SARC),  Varanasi,  Uttar  Pradesh, Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Gujarat and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- (c) & (d):  At present, there is no such proposal to allocate separate funds for the research and development of nanotechnology.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1033 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Norms for fixing Prices of Medicines
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: S. Gnanathiraviam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1033 TO BE ANSWERED ON 8 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## Norms for fixing Prices of Medicines

## 1033. SHRI GNANATHIRAVIAM S.:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that pharmaceutical companies print 20 per cent more than the actual price of medicines;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether it is a fact that some medical stores are giving concession of 5 to 20 percent to their customers while some others refuse to give the same;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the details of the norms for fixing the prices of medicines in view of the fact that customer is unable to negotiate their price like other commodities in the market?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

(a) to (d):    As per the extant provisions of DPCO 2013, every manufacturer of a scheduled or non-scheduled formulation intended for sale, shall display in indelible print mark, on the label of  container  of  the  formulation  and  the  minimum  pack  thereof  offered  for  retail  sale,  the maximum retail price of that formulation with the words "Maximum Retail Price" preceding it and the words 'inclusive of all taxes' succeeding it'.   Further, DPCO, 2013 provides that every manufacturer, inter alia, shall  issue  a  price  list  to  dealers,  who shall  display the same on a conspicuous part of the premise where he carries on business.  It also provides that no person shall sell any formulation to any consumer at a price exceeding the price specified in the current price list or the price indicated on the label of the container or pack thereof, whichever is less'. Instances of overcharging are dealt with by NPPA under the relevant provisions of DPCO, 2013.  However, provision of concession to customers by medical stores, within the MRP, is guided by commercial consideration and a business practice not within the ambit of control order.

- (e):   NPPA fixes the ceiling price of scheduled formulations as per the extant provisions of DPCO, 2013. The ceiling price of a scheduled formulation is determined by first working out the  simple  average  of  price  to  retailer  (PTR)  in  respect  of  all  branded-generic  and  generic versions of that particular formulation having a market share of one percent and above. The maximum retail price (MRP) for that particular drug formulation must not exceed the notified ceiling price plus applicable taxes. Further, DPCO, 2013 also provides for fixing the ceiling prices in cases where there is absence of competition; and the retail prices of new drug as defined in DPCO, 2013 for existing manufacturers of scheduled formulation.  The details of prices fixed by NPPA is available on the website of NPPA i.e. www.nppaindia.nic.in.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1032 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Coast Guard Station at Hazira
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Prabhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF   DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1032

TO BE ANSWERED ON 08 th  December, 2023

## COAST GUARD STATION AT HAZIRA

## 1032. SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of steps taken by the Government in coordination with other Government entities and the Government of Gujarat to increase security measures at Hazira, the largest industrial hub of the country located on seashore areas;

(b) whether the Government intends to set up a Coast Guard Station at Hazira as State Marine Police has its limitation, if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether the Government intends to send high level team of various Union Government agencies along with State Government officials to assess long term action plan to enhance the security at Hazira; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

## MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a):    Indian  Navy (IN), Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and other Central and State Government bodies, inter-alia, undertake the following measures for Coastal Security in Gujarat:

- (i) Extensive  patrolling  using  ships,  boats  and  aircraft  to  detect  and  check infiltration through the sea routes.
- (ii) Surveillance of coastal areas through Coastal Radars, Automatic Identification Systems, open sources etc.
- (iii) Conduct of Coastal Security exercises for assessing the effectiveness of existing mechanisms.
- (iv) Community interaction programmes to generate awareness amongst fisher-folk for strengthening coastal security.
- (v) Capacity building/training of State Marine Police and conduct of joint Coastal Patrols regularly.

(b) to (d):  In view of the Coastal Security Measures Carried out by IN, ICG and other Central and State Government bodies, presently there are no such plans.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1027 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Sector
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Beesetti  Venkata Satyavathi

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1027 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.12.2023

## ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AI IN HEALTH SECTOR

## 1027 DR. BEESETTI VENKATA SATYAVATHI:

Will the Minister of HEALTH and FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the health sector;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the total budgetary allocation and spending towards AI in the health sector in the last three years;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to forge any partnerships with the private sector for promoting AI in the health sector; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. SATYA PAL SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) to (e) Government of India has launched Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) which aims to create a platform enabling interoperability of health data within the health ecosystem. The aim of this mission is to create Electronic Health Record (EHR) of every citizen. Further, it aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoTs), Blockchain etc. with existing health information technology (IT) applications for improving the performance of the health services.

NITI Aayog has published two approach documents on AI for India, 'Responsible AI' approach documents in February 2021 and 'Operationalizing Principles for Responsible AI' in August 2021.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recently designated AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Rishikesh as Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence with an aim to promote creation and use of AI based solutions in Health.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1026 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: National Health Protection Scheme
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Mohammad Jawed

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1026 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08 TH DECEMBER, 2023

## NATIONALHEALTH PROTECTION SCHEME

## 1026. DR MOHAMMAD JAWED:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details/update regarding the progress of the National Health Protection Scheme (Ayushman Bharat) and the number of beneficiaries covered thereunder during previous year;
- (b) the details of the measures being taken to ensure the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies, especially in rural and underserved areas; and
- (c) the budget allocated to combat the spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria along with the outcomes achieved?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (PROF. S. P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) to (c) : Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the largest publicly funded health assurance scheme in the world which provides health cover of Rs.5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 12 Crore families Many States/UTs implementing AB-PMJAY have expanded the beneficiary base to approximately 15.5 crore families at their own cost.

Approximately 27.8 Crore Ayushman Cards have been created so far and 6 crore hospital admissions amounting to Rs.72,257 Crore have been authorized under the scheme through a network of over 27,592 hospitals across the country.

Under National Health Mission quality essential drugs are provided free of cost to all patients visiting public health facilities under the Free Drugs Service Initiative, which brings significant savings to the patients. The initiative includes 105 drugs at SHC level, 171 at PHC level, 300 at CHC level, 314 at SDH level and 377 drugs at district Hospitals.

Budget allocation for six Vector Borne Diseases (VBD) are as follows:

(Rs. In crores)

| Programme                                                | 2019-20         | 2019-20   | 2020-21         | 2020-21   | 2021-22         | 2021-22   |
|----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|-----------|-----------------|-----------|-----------------|-----------|
|                                                          | Central Release | Exp       | Central Release | Exp       | Central Release | Exp       |
| National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) | 337.87          | 312.85    | 515.63          | 692.27    | 370.23          | 592.23    |

Note: Allocation under NHM pools have been merged from the Financial Year 2022-23 and therefore, disease-wise release and expenditure is not indicated for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Out of the 06 VBDs, India has achieved 79.09% and 57.22% reduction in malaria cases and deaths respectively in 2022 as compared to 2017. The Case Fatality Rate (death per 100 cases)for Dengue is sustaining at 0.1% at National level.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1025 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Appointment of Notaries
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1025 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY 08.12.2023 APPOINTMENT OF NOTARIES

## 1025. SHRI SHRINIWAS PATIL:

## Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state:

- (a)the details of applications received for the appointment of Notaries across Maharashtra including Satara district;
- (b) whether the interviews have been conducted for the appointment of Notaries in Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof indicating the number of notaries appointed in Satara district;
- (c) If not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether any malpractices or controversy has been reported in the process of the said appointment of Notaries till date; and
- (e) if so, the details of the action taken in the matter?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a)  to  (c):  17143  online  applications,  including  543  applications  from Satara District, have been received for appointment as Central Notaries for Maharashtra. Interviews for the purpose were held from 17th April, 2023 to 17 th  May, 2023. Results of the interviews have not been published, as, same is under compilation.
- (d)  and  (e):  A  complaint  has  been  received  through  email  and  same  is under consideration.
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Lok Sabha Question No. 1023 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Acute Shortage of Tuberculosis Drugs
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Manickam Tagore B

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1023 TO BE ANSWERED ON 8 th DECEMBER, 2023

## ACUTE SHORTAGE OF TUBERCULOSIS DRUGS

## 1023. SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B.:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the country is facing an acute shortage of tuberculosis drugs, including medicines used for treating drug-resistant TB and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether there is a shortage of medicines used for treatment of drug-sensitive and drugresistant TB which has started since last year and has been continuing across till date in the country and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is a fact that the Government has not been supplying adequate doses of Rifampicin and some drugs used for treating people with Multidrug-resistant TB and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether it is a fact that States across the country have been asked to procure the said drugs

- themselves with no additional funding provided for the same and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a)and (b) T here has not been any shortage of anti-tuberculosis drugs, including medicines used for treating drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB.

(c) and (d) Anti-TB drugs including Rifampicin are centrally supplied under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). There has been regular supply of Anti-TB drugs to all the State/UTs from the central level under the NTEP throughout the year. State/UTs have been provisioned with resources for local procurement for limited quantities as and when required to meet the emergent requirements.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1022 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Setting up of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy Colleges in Maharashtra
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Jaisiddeshwar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.-1022

ANSWERED ON 08/12/2023

## SETTING UP OF AYURVEDA AND HOMOEOPATHY COLLEGES IN MAHARSHTRA

## 1022.   SHRI SHA.BRA.DR.JAI SIDDESHWAR SHIVACHARYA MAHASWAMIJI:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  Ayurveda  colleges  sanctioned  for  setting  up  in  Maharashtra  during  the years 2020-23; and
- (b) the number of Homoeopathy colleges sanctioned for setting up in Maharashtra during the years 2020-23?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF AYUSH

## (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a) 39  Ayurveda  colleges  have  been  sanctioned  for  setting  up  in  Maharashtra  during  the years 2020-23; the details are placed at Annexure.
- (b) 07 Homoeopathy colleges have been sanctioned for setting up in Maharashtra during the years 2020-23; the details are placed at Annexure.

Annexure Ayurveda and Homoeopathy colleges sanctioned for setting up in Maharashtra during the years 2020-23

| Academic Year   |   Ayurveda Colleges |   Homoeopathy Colleges |
|-----------------|---------------------|------------------------|
| 2020-21         |                  01 |                     00 |
| 2021-22         |                  06 |                     02 |
| 2022-23         |                  12 |                     04 |
| 2023-24         |                  20 |                     01 |
| Total           |                  39 |                     07 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 1019 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-08
Subject: Increasing Number of Patients in Government Hospitals
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1019 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08th DECEMBER, 2023

## INCREASING NUMBER OFPATIENTS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

## 1019. SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government has taken note of the difficulties faced by the patients visiting Central Government hospitals including AIIMS all over the country;
2. (b) if so, the details thereof;
3. (c) whether the Government has made an assessment of the number of patients visiting these hospitals and if so, the details thereof;
4. (d) whether there has been an increase in the number of patients coming for various surgeries and if so, the details thereof;
5. (e) whether the Government proposes to pay special attention to further increase the facilities at AIIMS, Nagpur; and
6. (f) if so, the details of the steps taken in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

- (a) to (b): The Government attaches great importance for providing effective patient care to the public at large. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare regularly monitors the performance of Government Hospitals including All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in terms of patient care delivery and issues necessary directions from time to time. All Central Government Hospitals including AIIMS provide Out Patient Department (OPD) registration through Online Registration System (ORS) which can be accessed through https://ors.gov.in . Central Government Hospitals have been faciliated with digital display of Citizen Charter, display of information about various departments OPDs, signages etc. for guiding the patients.
- (c) and (d) There has been an overall increase in the number of patients visiting OPD and for various surgeries in all Central Government Hospitals including AIIMS all over the country.
- (e) and (f): At AIIMS Nagpur the number of surgical super specialty beds have increased in view of increased number of patients. Additional Operation Theaters (OTs) have been operationalized to accommodate the increased number of patients requiring surgical intervention.

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