Drug Price Caps Extended to Chronic Therapies

India’s drug pricing regulator has fixed ceiling prices for 42 medicine formulations, bringing relief to patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hormone-related disorders. Issued under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, the order sets maximum per-unit retail prices (excluding GST), ensuring that pharmacies cannot charge beyond the capped rates.

The revised list mainly includes fixed-dose combinations commonly used in long-term treatments. Cholesterol medicines such as atorvastatin with ezetimibe, diabetes drugs like gliclazide with metformin, and certain antibiotic combinations now fall under price control. Some hormone therapy drugs have also been capped, though at relatively higher price ranges depending on formulation and manufacturer.

Manufacturers must comply with the updated pricing and issue revised price lists, while retailers are required to display them for transparency. Any overcharging will invite recovery with interest. The latest notification replaces earlier pricing orders for these medicines, strengthening affordability and regulatory oversight in essential therapies.

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