The Department of Pharmaceuticals has issued its annual list of revised ceiling prices for 923 scheduled drug formulations and revised retail prices for 65 formulations. These changes are scheduled to come into effect from April 1st.
Price Revision Basis
The revision in ceiling and retail prices is based on a 0.00551% increase in the wholesale price index (WPI). This adjustment was announced by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and reflects the changes in the wholesale price index.
WPI Data
The WPI data, provided by the Office of the Economic Advisor, Department of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, indicated an annual change of +0.00551% during the calendar year 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
Impact on Manufacturers
With these changes, manufacturers are now allowed to increase the maximum retail price (MRP) of scheduled formulations based on the WPI without needing prior approval from the government. This gives manufacturers the flexibility to adjust prices in line with economic indicators.
Highlighted Drug Prices
Here are some examples of the revised prices for essential drugs:
- Painkillers:
- Diclofenac: The ceiling price is set at Rs 2.05 per tablet.
- Ibuprofen: The revised prices are Rs 0.71 per tablet for the 200 mg dosage and Rs 1.20 per tablet for the 400 mg dosage.
- Antibiotics:
- Azithromycin: The ceiling price is Rs 11.65 per tablet for the 250 mg dosage and Rs 23.57 per tablet for the 500 mg dosage.
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid (dry syrup): The ceiling price is Rs 2.05 per millilitre (ml).
- Antivirals:
- Acyclovir: The ceiling price is Rs 7.61 per tablet for the 200 mg dosage and Rs 13.66 per tablet for the 400 mg dosage.
- Antimalarials:
- Hydroxychloroquine: The ceiling price is Rs 6.36 per tablet for the 200 mg dosage and Rs 13.8 per tablet for the 400 mg dosage.
- Type 2 Diabetes Medications:
- Combination of Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride (extended release), and Glimepiride: The price is set at Rs 13.24 per tablet.
- Combination of Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride, and Glimepiride: The price is set at Rs 14 per tablet.
- Antineoplastic Agent:
- Bendamustine Hydrochloride (used for chronic lymphocytic leukemia): The ceiling price is Rs 4,946 per vial.
Conclusion: The revised prices aim to ensure the affordability and availability of essential medicines to the public, in line with the economic changes indicated by the WPI.
News Source : – https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/nppa-revises-ceiling-prices-of-923-scheduled-drug-formulations-from-april-1-124033100404_1.html
