NPPA to increase cost of around 12 essential drugs

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has decided to increase the price of at least twelve essential first-line treatment drugs by at least 50 per cent, as the companies, which produce these drugs, have expressed its incapability to procure the raw materials for these drugs within the limitation of the present price cap.

The decision has been taken as an effort to keep the flow of the drugs to the market unaffected.

The authority has mentioned the decision unavoidable to support to the companies to maintain the steady flow of the drugs to the market.
India relies China for at least 60 per cent of the total pharmaceutical raw material requirement.

The authority has justified the decision, reminding the potential damage a serious shortage in the essential drugs in the market can create.

The proposed hike will impact BCG vaccine, Benzathine Benzylpenicillin, Benzylpenicuillin, Choloroquine, Dapsone, Furosemide, Metronidazole, Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C tablets, Co-trimoxazole, Pheniramine, Prednisolone and Clofazamine.

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