Overview
- The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority issued a fresh order under the Drugs (Prices) Control Order, 2013 that sets per‑unit ceiling retail prices for 42 formulations, exclusive of GST, with GST allowed only if actually payable.
- The move focuses on fixed‑dose combinations for chronic heart and diabetes care along with antibiotics, pain medicines, and some hormone therapies, which could lower monthly bills for people on long‑term regimens.
- Named caps include atorvastatin with ezetimibe at ₹21.36–₹32.46 per tablet, gliclazide with metformin at ₹10.53 per tablet, and cefixime with potassium clavulanate at ₹25 per tablet.
- Manufacturers must fix prices within the notified ceilings and file updated Form V price lists with regulators, and retailers must display the new price lists so shoppers can verify costs at the counter.
- NPPA warned that charging above the ceilings will lead to recovery of the overcharged amount with interest under DPCO, 2013 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the notification supersedes earlier price orders for these drugs.