New Delhi: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has lowered the retail prices of 35 essential drugs to make them more affordable, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said on Sunday.
The revised prices cover a range of medicines, including anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antibiotic, anti-diabetic and psychiatric formulations. The move is expected to benefit patients, particularly those with chronic illnesses.
Key formulations under the new price control include fixed-dose combinations of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol and Trypsin Chymotrypsin, Amoxycillin with Potassium Clavulanate, Atorvastatin combinations, and newer oral anti-diabetic drugs such as Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin and Metformin.
An Aceclofenac-Paracetamol-Trypsin Chymotrypsin tablet made by Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals and marketed by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories will now cost Rs 13, while Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ version is priced at Rs 15.01. A tablet containing Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg, widely prescribed for heart conditions, has been priced at Rs 25.61.
Pediatric oral suspensions, including Cefixime-Paracetamol combinations, and medicines such as Cholecalciferol drops for Vitamin D supplementation and Diclofenac Injection (Rs 31.77 per ml) are also covered.
Retailers and dealers must display the updated price lists prominently. Non-compliance may lead to penalties under the DPCO, 2013, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including recovery of any excess charges with interest.
The NPPA clarified that the revised prices exclude GST. Manufacturers must update price lists through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System and submit details to the NPPA and state drug controllers.
The NPPA, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, regulates drug prices in India and monitors both controlled and decontrolled pharmaceutical products.