Price cap fixed on 530 essential drugs

These include 47 cancer and 22 HIV medicines; price fixed based on market data

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed ceiling prices for 530 essential drugs, including 47 for cancer and 22 for HIV, Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Under its provisions, NPPA has fixed ceiling prices of medicines under the National List of Essential Medicines 2011 (NLEM) based on market price data, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said during Question Hour.

In addition, maximum retail price has been capped under the Drug Price Control Order 2013 (DPCO) in respect of 106 non-scheduled medicines, of which 84 are used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases and 22 for diabetes.

NPPA has also fixed the retail prices of 247 'new drugs' under the DPCO 2013, he said.

Ahir said the provisions under the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, 2012, mandate the introduction of a regulatory framework for pricing of essential drugs according to the strength and dosages as specified in the NLEM which satisfy the priority healthcare needs of a majority of the population.

Subsequently, the DPCO was notified by the government.

ESSENTIALS

• Price ceiling put in place under the National List of Essential Medicines, 2011
   
• Maximum retail price also capped for 106 non-scheduled medicines, of which 84 are used for treating cardiovascular diseases
  

 

Retail prices fixed for 247 'new drugs'
 

Provisions of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, 2012, mandate introduction of regulatory framework for pricing of essential drugs according to strength and dosages