NPPA: Control over the arbitrariness of pharmaceutical companies, reduction in prices of these 35 essential medicines

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has reduced the retail prices of 35 essential medicines which will provide relief to patients. The reduced price medicines include anti-inflammatory, heart disease, antibiotics, anti-diabetic and psychiatric medicines. Medicines like Aceclofenac Paracetamol and Atorvastatin will become cheaper. Retailers will have to display updated price lists and action will be taken in case of violation.

In an aim to make medicines more affordable for patients, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has reduced the retail prices of 35 essential medicines sold by major pharmaceutical companies

The price cut is expected to provide great relief to consumers, especially patients suffering from chronic diseases. The reduced price medicines include a wide range of medicines including anti-inflammatory, cardiological, antibiotic, anti-diabetic and psychiatric medicines.

Which medicines' prices have come down?

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has notified this order based on price regulation by NPPA. The major drugs covered under this price control order include Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, Trypsin Chymotrypsin, Amoxicillin, Potassium Clavulanate, Atorvastatin as well as new anti-diabetic drugs like Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin and Metformin.

It is worth noting that NPPA works under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It is the drug price regulator in India which is responsible for pricing and revision of medicines and monitoring the prices of medicines.

At what price will the medicines be available?

However, the price of one Aceclofenac-Paracetamol-Trypsin Chymotrypsin tablet manufactured by Akms Drugs & Pharmaceuticals and marketed by Dr Reddy's Laboratories has now been fixed at Rs 13, while the same formulation marketed by Cadila Pharmaceuticals is now priced at Rs 15.01.

Similarly, a tablet containing Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg costs Rs 25.61. It is widely used in cardiac problems. The low-priced medicines also include cefixime and paracetamol for medical use in children. Also included are important medicines like cholecalciferol drops for vitamin D supplementation and diclofenac injection, which cost Rs 31.77 per ml.

What did the official order say?

The official order states that retailers and dealers must prominently display these updated price lists on their premises. Non-adherence to the notified prices may attract penal provisions under DPCO, 2013 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This includes recovery of the excess amount charged for the medicine and interest.

NPPA clarified that the prices fixed do not include Goods and Services Tax (GST). However, it can be included if required. Manufacturers will have to comply with all statutory requirements, issue updated price lists in Form V through the Integrated Drug Database Management System and also submit information in this regard to NPPA and State Drug Controllers.

PC:NPPA