Govt fixes rates of 37 essential drugs
In a move to boost affordability, the government on Saturday fixed retail prices of a range of essential drugs.
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers notified the move through a detailed order covering 35 medicines marketed by top pharmaceutical companies.
The notification aims to ensure affordable access to essential medicines through price regulation by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
The pricing decision was made under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, specifically exercising powers under paragraphs 5, 11 and 15 in conjunction with government orders dated May 30, 2013, and November 11, 2022.
The formulations which will now cost less span a wide range of therapeutic categories including anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antibiotic, anti-diabetic and psychiatric drugs.
Among the key formulations covered by the price control order are fixed-dose combinations of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol and Trypsin Chymotrypsin, Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate, Atorvastatin combinations and newer oral anti-diabetic combinations like Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin and Metformin.
The price of one Aceclofenac-Paracetamol-Trypsin Chymotrypsin tablet manufactured by Akums 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, widely used for cardiovascular conditions, is priced at Rs 25.61.
Oral suspensions for pediatric use —Cefixime and Paracetamol combinations —have also been included, along with critical medications like Cholecalciferol drops for Vitamin D supplementation and Diclofenac Injection, which has been priced at Rs 31.77 per ml.
The NPPA clarified that the prices fixed were exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST), which may be added if applicable. Manufacturers are required to comply with all statutory requirements, issue updated price lists in Form–V through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS) and submit the same to the NPPA and state drug controllers.
The government order said retailers and dealers must display these updated price lists prominently in their premises as per paragraph 24 of the DPCO, 2013.
The authority also noted that failure to comply with the notified prices may attract penal provisions under the DPCO, 2013, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including recovery of overcharged amounts with interest.
Any prior price orders issued for the specified formulations and manufacturers stand superseded by this latest notification. The pricing order is expected to bring greater transparency and affordability in drug pricing for consumers across India, officials said.
Key formulations
Aceclofenac, Paracetamol & Trypsin Chymotrypsin tablets (Made by M/s Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals and marketed by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories) — 1 tablet to cost Rs 13; Cadilla version to cost Rs 15
Amoxycillin & Potassium Clavulanate oral suspension used to treat bacterial infections (Zydus Healthcare) — One ml priced at Rs 3.32
Atorvastatin & Clopidogrel tablets to prevent heart attacks and strokes — 1 tablet for Rs 25.61
Atorvastatin & Ezetimibe tablets used together to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides — 10 mg to 40 mg (Pure and Cure Healthcare) priced from Rs 19.86 to Rs 30.47
Atorvastatin, Clopidogrel and Aspirin Capsules prevention of heart attack (Synoken Pharma) — 1 capsule for Rs 5.88
Bilastine & Montelukast tablet — 1 pill to cost Rs 22.78
Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin & Metformin Hydrochloride tablets (Exemed Pharmaceuticals) — 1 tablet for Rs 16.50
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