Centre Cuts Prices Of 35 Essential Medicines To Ease Patient Costs

In a move to make medicines more affordable, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has reduced retail prices of 35 essential medicines sold by top pharmaceutical firms.

These revised rates apply to a broad range of drugs, including anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antibiotic, anti-diabetic, and psychiatric formulations.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers issued the notification following NPPA’s price regulation mandate. The reductions aim to provide financial relief to patients, especially those dealing with chronic ailments.

Among the key formulations under price control are:

• Fixed-dose combinations of Aceclofenac,
• Paracetamol and Trypsin Chymotrypsin,
• Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, and
• Atorvastatin combinations

Oral anti-diabetic drugs like Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin, and Metformin also feature in the list.

One Aceclofenac-Paracetamol-Trypsin Chymotrypsin tablet by Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, marketed by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, is now priced at ₹13. The same tablet marketed by Cadila Pharmaceuticals will cost ₹15.01.

Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg combination tablets, widely used for heart conditions, are now priced at ₹25.61.

Cefixime-Paracetamol oral suspensions for children, Cholecalciferol drops for Vitamin D, and Diclofenac Injection have also been covered. Diclofenac is now priced at ₹31.77 per ml.

Retailers must display the updated price list prominently. Violations may lead to penalties under the DPCO, 2013 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including recovery of overcharged amounts with interest.

The NPPA clarified that all fixed prices exclude Goods and Services Tax (GST). Manufacturers must comply with legal norms, upload the revised price list in Form V on the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System, and notify NPPA and state drug authorities.

This order supersedes earlier price orders for these formulations and companies. The NPPA, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, oversees drug pricing and ensures the affordability of essential medicines in India.

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