GUWAHATI: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved a 50% increase in the ceiling prices for 11 scheduled formulations of eight drugs. This decision, made during the full Authority meeting on October 8, 2024, comes as manufacturers have cited rising costs for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, production, and changes in exchange rates as reasons for their inability to sustain the production and marketing of these vital drugs.
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The NPPA’s mandate ensures that essential drugs remain available to meet the public health needs of the country without compromising on their affordability. The recent price revision aims to address concerns that the existing pricing structure could affect the continued availability of these medicines in the market. The drugs affected by this decision are commonly used in treating conditions such as asthma, glaucoma, thalassemia, tuberculosis, and various mental health disorders.
Among the formulations that will see a revised ceiling price are Benzyl Penicillin 10 lakh IU injection, Atropine injection 06 mg/ml, and Salbutamol tablets in both 2 mg and 4 mg doses. Other formulations include Streptomycin powder for injection (750 mg and 1000 mg), Pilocarpine 2% drops, and Cefadroxil tablets (500 mg), alongside Desferrioxamine (500 mg for injection) and Lithium tablets (300 mg).
This extraordinary measure is not unprecedented; NPPA has previously invoked similar powers in 2019 and 2021, leading to price increases for 21 and 9 formulations, respectively, to ensure the ongoing availability of essential drugs for the public. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, NPPA’s recent decision underscores its commitment to prioritizing public health while navigating the complexities of pharmaceutical economics.
Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi has expressed serious concerns about the latest price hikes on X, saying, "The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority’s move to hike prices for conditions like asthma, tuberculosis, bacterial infection, anaemia, thalassemia and mental health issues is deeply concerning. Contrary to its claim of doing this in “greater public interest,” in effect, the move will ensure that healthcare is priced well out reach for the people. There is an urgent need to think of long term measures to regulate input costs of drug manufacturing instead of transferring the increased price burden on patients."