The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced a price hike of up to 1.74% for more than 900 essential medicines, effective April 1, 2024. The revised rates will apply to drugs used for treating infections, heart diseases, diabetes, and other critical illnesses.
Why Are Drug Prices Increasing?
According to Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel, the price revision is in accordance with the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013), which mandates an annual price adjustment based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
- The ceiling price of scheduled medicines for FY 2024-25 was revised based on a WPI increase of 1.74028% compared to the previous year.
- The NPPA also regulates the retail prices of new drugs, as defined under DPCO, 2013.
Which Medicines Will Cost More?
As per a Financial Express report, the new price list includes:
- Antibiotics:
- Azithromycin: ₹11.87 (250mg), ₹23.98 (500mg) per tablet
- Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Dry Syrup): ₹2.09 per ml
- Painkillers:
- Diclofenac: ₹2.09 per tablet
- Ibuprofen: ₹0.72 (200mg), ₹1.22 (400mg) per tablet
- Diabetes Medication:
- Dapagliflozin + Metformin + Glimepiride: ₹12.74 per tablet
- Antivirals:
- Acyclovir: ₹7.74 (200mg), ₹13.90 (400mg) per tablet
- Antimalarials:
- Hydroxychloroquine: ₹6.47 (200mg), ₹14.04 (400mg) per tablet
How Will This Impact Consumers?
With the price cap revision, drug manufacturers can now increase the retail price of these formulations without seeking prior government approval. The NPPA, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, ensures that these medicines—categorized under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM)—remain affordable while allowing for inflation-based adjustments.
While the price hike remains moderate, consumers may feel the pinch, especially for chronic disease medications like diabetes and pain management drugs.
