The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced significant revisions in drug prices, affecting 65 formulations and revising ceiling prices for 20 others. The updates, which include critical medications for Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, bacterial infections, and pain management, aim to make essential treatments more affordable.
Key Updates:
• New Fixed Prices: Retail prices have been finalized for drugs like Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe tablets, Gliclazide and Metformin Hydrochloride and Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate.
• Revised Vaccine Prices: Ceiling prices for injectable immunoglobulins and distilled water for vaccines, including rabies, tetanus and measles have been updated.
• Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D3 supplements and antifungals like itraconazole capsules are also included in the revised price list.
“Manufacturers of scheduled formulations selling branded or generic versions at a price higher than the ceiling price (plus GST) must revise prices downward, not exceeding the specified ceiling. - NPPA
The revisions were decided during the NPPA’s 128th meeting on December 12, which also incorporated a minor 0.00551% WPI-linked price adjustment for drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
This routine yet impactful update is part of NPPA’s mandate to ensure affordable access to essential medicines, enforce the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), and monitor pharmaceutical pricing. Doctors and healthcare providers are advised to take note of these updates when prescribing.
