Drug pricing regulator NPPA fixes retail rates of 44 formulations; fever, heart medicines included

Drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) on Wednesday fixed the retail prices of 44 new drug formulations in its 115th meeting. The regulator also notified the changes in bulk drugs and formulations, monitored the prices of non-scheduled drugs and formulations, and oversaw the implementation of the provisions of the Drugs (Price Control) Order (DPCO). The maximum price of sugar, pain, fever, infection and heart medicine, including multi-vitamin and D3, has been fixed in the meeting.

However, Troikaa Pharmaceuticals' 250mg/ml 'Paracetamol Injection' is currently exempted. In addition, companies will be able to take GST from the customer only if they have paid it. All stakeholders, retailers and stockists, will have to inform about the change in prices in 15 days. If a company fails to do so, action under the Essential Commodities Act will be taken against companies.

Which drug makers will be impacted?

The NPPA's move is likely to impact pharma companies such as IPCA Laboratories, Mankind Pharma, Alkem Laboratories, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Cipla, Sanofi and Abbott India.