NEW DELHI, Aug 3: In a major relief for patients across India, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has reduced the retail prices of 35 essential medicines, making treatments for chronic and acute illnesses significantly more affordable.
The price reduction spans a broad spectrum of essential drugs, including anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antibiotic, anti-diabetic, psychiatric, and paediatric formulations. The move, notified by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, aims to ease the financial burden on patients, especially those managing long-term health conditions.
Key formulations affected include combinations of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, Trypsin Chymotrypsin, Amoxycillin-Clavulanate, Atorvastatin-Clopidogrel, and advanced oral anti-diabetics like Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin, and Metformin.
For instance, the price of an Aceclofenac-Paracetamol-Trypsin Chymotrypsin tablet by Akums Drugs (marketed by Dr. Reddy’s) is now capped at ₹13, while Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ version is priced at ₹15.01. A cardiovascular drug combining Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg is now fixed at ₹25.61. Vital paediatric and vitamin supplements, like Cefixime-Paracetamol syrups and Cholecalciferol drops, have also seen reductions.
Retailers are mandated to display updated price lists prominently. Non-compliance could lead to penalties under the DPCO, 2013, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including recovery of overcharged amounts with interest.
The NPPA clarified that the notified prices exclude GST, which may be added as applicable. Manufacturers are directed to update price lists via the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System and notify both NPPA and state regulators.
All previous pricing orders for the specified formulations now stand revoked under this fresh directive. (Agencies)