To the question of latest happenings at the health ministry vis a vis policy changes, Mr KL Sharma, joint secretary (regulations), ministry of health and family welfare, mentioned, "There are a lot many initiatives going on at the moment. There is the Food and Cosmetics Bill which is in the public domain for consultations and it has received comments across the globe. The health policy draft too is attracting queries."

On being asked about the priorities in 2015, Mr Sharma remarked, "Basic challenge is to take care of new and emerging diseases. As we are over a period of time increasing the prosperity of the country, priorities are shifting towards lifestyle diseases. In the rural settings, basic health infrastructure is missing in some places. Those will be the focus areas. Essentially, the strengthening of the existing ones and to be able to provide new medical tourism."

On better regulations, Mr Sharma added, "We would also like to enhance the regulatory structure, the kind of laboratories we are having including those in central and private facilities. We are going to put in a lot of resources there. We are going to spend Rs 2,000 crore in schemes aimed at revamping the regulatory structure. We are also going to relook at the clinical trials structure."