National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed prices of 64 important drug formulations and I.V. Fluids which are used for life threatening diseases or disorders like cancer, diabetes, cardio vascular diseases, pain killers, bacterial infections (antibiotics) etc.
NPPA has fixed/revised ceiling prices of 25 drug formulations and 31 I.V. Fluids of Schedule-I under Drugs (Price Control) Amendment Order, 2016 along with retail price of 8 formulations under DPCO, 2013.
Business of many big brand pharma companies will be affected with this fixation. Formulations of many companies like Alembic, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's Lab, GlaxosmithKline, Lupin, Mankind Pharma, Micro Labs, Novartis India, Zydus Cadila, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, Intas Pharmaceuticals, Natco Pharma, Alkem, Abbott India etc. will cover under this notice which lead to price cuts of their formulations.
Prices are also reduced for IV Fluids which are packed in Non-PVC and self collapsible; not having air-vent; and there is no chance of contamination at manufacturing as well as mixing levels. Otherwise the ceiling price for PVC packs shall be applicable for such Non-PVC packaging also.
For any other packaging material used or special features claimed, the manufacturer shall approach NPPA for specific price approval for its formulations. Otherwise the ceiling price for PVC or Glass packs, as the case may be, shall be applicable.
In notices NPPA clearly mentioned that, in case the retail price of any of the aforesaid formulations is not complied with then the concerned manufacturer / marketing company shall be liable to deposit the overcharged amount along with the interest thereon under the provisions of the DPCO, 2013 with the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
NPPA is an organization of the Government of India which was established, inter alia, to fix/ revise the prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations and to enforce prices and availability of the medicines in the country, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1995. The organization is also entrusted with the task of recovering amounts overcharged by manufacturers for the controlled drugs from the consumers.
