New Delhi, the price caps cover medicines for hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, HIV, cancer, epilepsy, eye disorders and bacterial infections, with manufacturers directed to implement the revised MRPs immediately.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has fixed ceiling retail prices for 39 new drug formulations covering hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, HIV, bacterial infections, eye disorders, epilepsy, pain management and certain cancers, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers on July 8.
Among the drugs with prices now fixed, Amlodipine, Bisoprolol and Telmisartan Tablets which is a combination prescribed for hypertension have also been capped at ₹14.74 per tablet. Clopidogrel, Aspirin and Atorvastatin Capsules, used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, have been priced at ₹6.37 per capsule. Nepafenac and Moxifloxacin Ophthalmic Solution, an eye drop used after surgery and for bacterial eye infections, has been fixed at ₹68.64 per ml. The list also includes Tenecteplase Injection, Combikit Darunavir, Ritonavir and Dolutegravir Tablets, and Amoxicillin, Aspirin and Potassium Clavulanate Dispersible Tablets.
In two separate notifications issued alongside, NPPA fixed the retail price of Calcium and Vitamin D3 Tablets at ₹8.93 per tablet inclusive of GST and revised the price of Anti-Rabies Immunoglobulin Injection to ₹119.48.
NPPA said the prices were determined after considering market data and input costs. The notifications apply to manufacturers, importers and retailers across the country. Manufacturers and marketers have been directed to implement the revised Maximum Retail Prices immediately and print the updated MRP on product packs. Retailers have been instructed to clear existing stocks carrying old MRPs in accordance with DPCO norms. Any manufacturer or marketing company failing to comply will be liable to deposit the overcharged amount along with applicable interest under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, read with the DPCO, 2013.
Any existing manufacturer launching the same new drug formulation within twelve months of the gazette notification date may do so only at a price not exceeding the ceiling specified in the notification.
The move follows a similar action taken in May, when NPPA capped retail prices of 42 drug formulations under the same order.
Nevertheless, the latest notifications reflect the continued focus of the NPPA on the expansion of price regulation from traditional essential drugs to more new formulations for chronic and critical diseases. As lifestyle diseases become more widespread and treatment costs rise, such interventions are likely to play an increasingly important role in improving affordability, although manufacturers will continue to balance price pressures with innovation and product availability.
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