The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed retail prices for 30 drug formulations covering a wide range of therapeutic categories, including vitamin supplements, anti-diabetic medicines, cardiovascular treatments and immunosuppressant drugs. The revised prices were notified through an order issued by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
The price fixation has been carried out under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013. According to the NPPA, the revised rates apply to specific formulations categorised as “new drugs” and will be binding on the manufacturers and marketing companies mentioned in the notification. The authority clarified that the notified prices are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST), which can be charged separately only where applicable.
Vitamin and Nutritional Supplements Covered
Among the key products included in the latest notification is Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Oral Solution 60,000 IU (Nano Droplet), for which the retail price has been fixed at Rs 14.91 per ml. The regulator has also approved prices for several nutritional formulations containing Calcium, Vitamin D3, Methylcobalamin, L-Methylfolate Calcium and Pyridoxal-5, commonly prescribed for bone health, vitamin deficiencies and nerve-related disorders.
Prices Fixed for Heart, Allergy and Diabetes Medicines
The NPPA has also notified prices for a number of medicines used in the treatment of chronic illnesses. Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate tablets, prescribed to manage cholesterol levels, have been priced at Rs 18.46 per tablet. Bilastine and Montelukast tablets used for allergy management have been fixed at Rs 21.22 per tablet, while Bisoprolol Fumarate and Amlodipine tablets for hypertension and cardiovascular conditions will retail at Rs 9.40 per tablet.
In the diabetes segment, the authority fixed the retail price of Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin and Metformin Extended Release tablets at Rs 14.88 per tablet. Another widely prescribed anti-diabetic combination comprising Sitagliptin, Glimepiride and Metformin has been priced at Rs 11.91 per tablet.
Immunosuppressant Drug Also Included
The notification also covers Tacrolimus Prolonged Release Capsules 3 mg, a critical immuno-suppressant medicine used by organ transplant patients. The retail price of the formulation has been fixed at Rs 127 per capsule.
Manufacturers Warned Against Overcharging
The NPPA directed manufacturers to revise pack prices in line with the approved retail rates and submit updated price lists through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS). Retailers and dealers have also been instructed to prominently display the revised prices at their establishments.
The regulator warned that companies found charging above the approved prices would be required to deposit the overcharged amount along with applicable interest under the provisions of the DPCO, 2013 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The authority further stated that the latest notification will supersede all previous price orders relating to the specified formulations, strengths and companies covered under the revised order.