The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the retail prices of 23 drug formulations, including medications to treat diabetes and high blood pressure. The prices were fixed on Friday, July 6, 2023.
The NPPA said that the prices were fixed in accordance with the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The order caps the prices of essential drugs in India.
The formulations that have had their prices fixed include:
- Gliclazide ER and Metformin Hydrochloride tablets (used to treat diabetes)
- Telmisartan, Chlorthalidone & Cilnidipine tablets (used to treat high blood pressure)
- Trypsin, Bromelain, Rutoside Trihydrate and Diclofenac Sodium tablets (used to relieve pain)
- Atenolol tablets (used to treat high blood pressure)
- Ibuprofen tablets (used to relieve pain and inflammation)
- Paracetamol tablets (used to relieve pain and fever)
The NPPA said that the prices of the formulations were fixed after considering the recommendations of the technical committee. The committee had reviewed the prices of the formulations and had recommended that they be fixed at lower levels.
The NPPA said that the fixed prices would be effective from July 7, 2023.
The fixing of the prices of the formulations is expected to benefit patients by making the drugs more affordable. It is also expected to put a check on the arbitrary pricing of drugs by manufacturers.
The NPPA has been taking steps to regulate the prices of drugs in India. In recent years, the authority has fixed the prices of a number of essential drugs. The authority has also taken action against manufacturers who have been found to be selling drugs at exorbitant prices.
The fixing of the prices of the 23 drug formulations is a welcome move by the NPPA. It is a step in the right direction to make essential drugs more affordable for patients.
