Government Slashes Prices of 37 Essential Medicines by 10–15%
Hidden Side-Effects: Common Medicines May Be Depleting Your Vitamins and Minerals
Major relief for heart, diabetes, and infection patients as NPPA issues new price notification
In a significant move to make essential healthcare more affordable, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced a 10–15% reduction in the prices of 37 key medicines, including those used to treat heart disease, diabetes, infections, inflammation, and vitamin deficiencies.
The revised pricing, notified on Saturday under the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013, applies to 35 formulations manufactured and sold by leading pharmaceutical companies across India.
Among the medicines with reduced prices are commonly used drugs like paracetamol, atorvastatin, amoxicillin, metformin, and other fixed-dose combinations. These medications are vital for long-term treatment of chronic illnesses and acute conditions.
Key Highlights of the Price Revision
- Pain and Fever Relief:
The combination tablet of aceclofenac + paracetamol + trypsin-chymotrypsin, used to reduce inflammation, is now priced at ₹13 (Dr. Reddy’s Labs) and ₹15.01 (Cadila Pharmaceuticals). - Cardiac Care:
A fixed-dose drug combining atorvastatin (40 mg) and clopidogrel (75 mg), essential for heart patients, will now cost ₹25.61 per tablet. - Diabetes Management:
A combination of empagliflozin, sitagliptin, and metformin, used to treat Type 2 diabetes, is now priced at ₹16.50 per tablet. - Children’s Medication:
Revised rates include oral suspensions like cefixime and paracetamol, frequently prescribed for children. - Vitamins and Injections:
Vitamin D supplement (cholecalciferol drops) and diclofenac injection will now cost ₹31.77 per ml. - Cholesterol and Allergy Control:
Medicines like atorvastatin-ezetimibe (for cholesterol) and bilastine-montelukast (for asthma and allergies) are also under the new price regime.
A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare
This price cut follows recent concerns over rising medicine costs. Earlier in May 2024, the government had allowed a price hike of up to 50% for 11 formulations used to treat asthma, TB, glaucoma, and other conditions. The latest revision comes as a corrective step to ensure essential medicines remain accessible to the masses.
The NPPA clarified that the notified prices are GST-exclusive, meaning manufacturers may add GST where applicable. All pharmaceutical companies are required to update and publish the new price list via the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS) and share copies with both the NPPA and State Drug Controllers.
Retailers and dealers must clearly display the revised prices at their outlets, in line with Section 24 of the DPCO, 2013.
This move marks another step in the government’s ongoing effort to balance affordability with availability, ensuring that life-saving drugs are within reach for all.
