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Recent media reports claiming a substantial increase in medicine prices, with suggestions that over 500 medicines would be affected, have been debunked by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The NPPA has labeled these reports as false, misleading, and malicious, emphasizing that there will be no significant price hike as alleged.
Under the provisions of the Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO) 2013, drugs are categorized as scheduled and non-scheduled formulations. Scheduled formulations, listed in Schedule-I of DPCO 2013, are essential medicines subject to pricing regulations.
The NPPA annually revises the ceiling prices of scheduled medicines based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to ensure affordability and accessibility. For the calendar year 2023, the WPI increase was a minimal 0.00551%. Consequently, after careful consideration, the Authority approved this slight increase for scheduled medicines in its recent meeting.
Of the 923 medicines with existing ceiling prices, 782 will see no change in prices, maintaining the status quo until March 31, 2025. For the remaining 54 medicines, there will be a negligible increase of Rs. 0.01 (one paisa). Importantly, this increase is the maximum permissible under the DPCO 2013, and manufacturers may choose not to avail of it based on market dynamics.
Manufacturers adjust their Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) based on the ceiling price set by the NPPA. The revised prices will come into effect from April 1, 2024, with detailed information available on the NPPA’s official website.
In the case of non-scheduled formulations, manufacturers have flexibility in setting prices but are restricted from increasing the MRP by more than 10% in the preceding 12 months, as per Para 20 of DPCO 2013.
This clarification from the NPPA aims to dispel misinformation and ensure transparency regarding medicine pricing. Patients and consumers can rest assured that there will be no significant price hikes, and essential medicines will remain accessible and affordable as per regulatory standards.
For further updates and information, please refer to the official website of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
