Regulator NPPA fixes rates of 100 drugs; diabetes, cholesterol, fever, infection drugs on the list

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the country's drug pricing regulator, on Wednesday fixed the retail prices of 100 additional drugs. With the development, the regulator's list of essential drugs includes antitoxins, children's antibiotics, calcium and vitamin D3 supplements, and medicines used in the treatment of cholesterol, diabetes, pain, fever, infection and excessive bleeding. 

The regulator's move is set to lead to a reduction in the prices of the 100 medicines, including 69 new formulations.

"The manufacturer may add Goods and Services Tax only if they have paid actually or it is payable to the Government on the retail price," said the NPPA in an order dated February 28.  

The list included certain medicines manufactured by pharmaceutical companies Cadila, Sun Pharma, Alkem Labs, Torrent Pharma, Cipla, Lupin and Mankind.

It included Cipla's Levetiracetam (Extended-Release), and Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepirid tablets, Lupin's Escitalopram Oxalate, and Sun Pharma's Tranexamic Acid tablets, and Cadila Pharmaceuticals' Diclofenac Diethylamine, Methyl Salicylate and Menthol topical spray, according to the order. 

The revised prices will be printed on the new batches of packing of the impacted drugs. Additionally, drug makers will be required to report the new prices to their respective dealer networks.

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The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority reviews and fixes the retail prices of essential drugs and formulations from time to time to ensure the optimum availability of medicines in the country at fair prices.