The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has recently revised the ceiling prices of eight essential drugs to ensure their availability and affordability. The revised prices are aimed at addressing the concerns of manufacturers who were facing difficulties in sustaining production due to increased costs of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, production, and changes in exchange rates.

Revised Drugs and Formulations:

• Benzyl Penicillin 10 lakh IU injection

• Atropine injection

• Streptomycin powder for injection 750 mg and 1000 mg

• Salbutamol tablet 2 mg and 4 mg and respirator solution 5 mg/ml

• Pilocarpine 2% drops

• Cefadroxil tablet 500 mg

• Desferrioxamine 500 mg for injection

• Lithium tablets 300 mg

This move is not unprecedented, as the NPPA had previously invoked similar powers in 2019 and 2021 to increase prices of 21 and 9 formulations, respectively. The NPPA's primary objective is to ensure that essential drugs remain available and affordable for the public, without compromising access to these life-saving medications.

Key Findings:

Price Increase: The NPPA has approved a 50% increase in the ceiling prices of 11 formulations of these eight drugs.

Public Health Impact: These drugs are crucial for treating various health conditions, including Asthma, Glaucoma, Thalassemia, Tuberculosis, and mental health disorders.

Industry Reaction: The Pharmaceutical industry has welcomed the move, stating it will help sustain the production of essential medicines.

Manufacturer Concerns: The price revision addresses manufacturer concerns regarding increased costs of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, production, and changes in exchange rates.

In addition to this revision, the NPPA has also fixed retail prices for 54 drug formulations and eight special products, covering treatments for diabetes, hypertension, heart issues, multivitamins, bacterial infections, and allergies.

(Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)