Anti-Fungal Medicine Scandal Rocks India as TSDCA Seizes Itrozen-100 Capsules

Hyderabad: Drug inspectors from the Telangana State Drug Control Administration (TSDCA) recently seized stocks of the antifungal medication ‘Itrozen-100 Capsules’ from a pharmacy in Mancherial. The seizure was carried out after it was discovered that the medicine was being sold at prices exceeding the government-mandated ceiling, violating price control regulations.

The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the packaging was found to be significantly higher than the ceiling price set under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, as enforced by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The NPPA, which regulates drug prices to ensure affordability, had set a ceiling price for the product, but the manufacturer failed to comply.

The antifungal capsules, produced by Allcure Remedies LLP, a pharmaceutical company based in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, displayed an MRP of ₹245 for a pack of 10 capsules. However, according to the NPPA's regulations, the price for one capsule should not exceed ₹16.67, amounting to ₹166.70 for 10 capsules. After adding GST, the maximum allowable price for the product is ₹187 for a pack of 10. Despite this, the company charged ₹58 more than the permitted price, which is a clear violation of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.

V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, the Director General of the TSDCA, stressed the importance of adhering to the pricing guidelines set by the central government. He highlighted that overpricing essential medicines not only violates the law but also undermines public access to affordable healthcare. The government is committed to taking strict legal action against those found guilty of such offenses, he added.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)