NPPA slashes prices of 37 essential drugs, including paracetamol, atorvastatin, amoxycillin

All prior price orders for these individual formulations and companies stand replaced by this latest notification

The government has set retail prices for 37 commonly consumed essential drug formulations. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers issued the notification on Saturday under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013.

Price ceilings, issued by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), cover medicines used to treat various conditions ranging from infections, heart ailments, and inflammation to diabetes and vitamin deficiencies.

According to reports, these new prices are for 35 formulations produced and sold by major pharmaceutical firms. Some of these include frequently prescribed medications like Paracetamol, Atorvastatin, Amoxycillin, Metformin, and recently introduced fixed-dose combinations utilized in the management of chronic illnesses.

Among the drugs affected is a composition of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, and Trypsin Chymotrypsin for use as an anti-inflammatory. A tablet of this drug will now cost Rs 13 when sold by Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Rs 15.01 when sold by Cadila Pharmaceuticals. Another major revision is the cardiovascular drug which comes as a combination of Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg, with the latter now selling at Rs 25.61 per tablet.

Oral suspensions for children, including the Cefixime and Paracetamol combination, have also been included. Important supplements like Cholecalciferol drops for Vitamin D and Diclofenac injection (Rs 31.77 per ml) are also notified.

In the anti-diabetic category, the combinations of Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin, and Metformin Hydrochloride, which are crucial to handle type 2 diabetes, are now limited to Rs 16.50 per tablet. Medicines such as Atorvastatin-Ezetimibe for cholesterol management and Bilastine-Montelukast for allergies and asthma have also been included within the pricing slab.

The NPPA explained that the notified prices are GST-free, which may be charged additionally if needed. Manufacturers are required to release revised price lists through Form–V through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS) and forward the same to the NPPA and state drug controllers. Retailers and dealers are required to display new prices prominently, under paragraph 24 of the DPCO, 2013.

The regulator has said that any non-compliance with the new rates would be punishable under the DPCO and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and would involve the recovery of excess charged amounts with interest.

All prior price orders for these individual formulations and companies stand replaced by this latest notification.

Officials are reported to say that the move will improve affordability, transparency, and availability of essential medicines in the country.