NPPA Revises Ceiling prices have also been updated for Essential Drugs
Ceiling prices have also been updated for the asthma medication Salbutamol, available in 2 mg and 4 mg tablet formulations, as well as the 5 mg/ml respirator solution.
On Monday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised the ceiling prices for eight essential drugs, commonly used for the first-line treatment of asthma, tuberculosis (TB), and glaucoma, among other conditions.
Price Increase for Essential Medications
Following a meeting held on October 8, the NPPA approved a 50% increase in the ceiling prices of eleven scheduled formulations across these eight drugs. Notable among them are Atropine injection (0.6 mg/ml), which is used to treat slow heart rates, and Streptomycin powder for injection, available in 750 mg and 1000 mg formulations for TB treatment. Most of these medications are low-cost and vital for public health programs across the country.
In an official statement, the Ministry emphasized, “Essential drugs must remain available to address the public health needs of the country, and their price regulation should not result in a situation where these drugs become unavailable in the market.”
Historical Context of Price Revisions
The NPPA has previously invoked similar powers in 2019 and 2021, when it increased ceiling prices for 21 and 9 formulations, respectively, by 50%. These actions were aimed at ensuring the ongoing availability of essential medications for the public.
Revised Formulations
The ceiling prices have also been updated for the asthma medication Salbutamol in both 2 mg and 4 mg tablet formulations, as well as a 5 mg/ml respirator solution. Other formulations affected include:
- Pilocarpine 2% drops: Used for treating glaucoma.
- Cefadroxil tablets (500 mg): Prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Deferoxamine (500 mg): An injectable medication for treating thalassemia.
- Lithium tablets (300 mg): Commonly used for mood disorders.
Reasons for Price Adjustments
The ministry indicated that the NPPA has been receiving numerous applications from manufacturers seeking upward price revisions. Manufacturers cited increased costs of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and production expenses, along with fluctuations in exchange rates, which have made it unsustainable to continue producing and marketing these drugs.
“Companies have also applied for discontinuation of some formulations due to their unviability,” the ministry noted, highlighting the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry.
Ensuring Accessibility
This price adjustment aims to strike a balance between keeping essential medications affordable and ensuring their availability in the market. By allowing for a controlled increase in ceiling prices, the NPPA hopes to encourage manufacturers to continue producing these critical drugs, thereby safeguarding public health.
As these revisions take effect, stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including patients, healthcare providers, and manufacturers, will closely monitor their impact on drug availability and public health initiatives. The government’s proactive approach in regulating drug prices underscores its commitment to maintaining access to essential medicines for all.
