NPPA sets ceiling prices for crucial drug formulations | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a move aimed at ensuring accessibility to essential medications, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has taken a decisive step by fixing the ceiling prices for nine drug formulations.

Among these formulations are key drugs like Tacrolimus and Co-trimoxazole.

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive agent vital in reducing the risk of organ rejection post-transplant. Co-trimoxazole is a medication crucial for treating bacterial infections causing pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

The NPPA’s recent order establishes ceiling prices for Tacrolimus in various strengths – ₹20.97 for 0.5 mg, ₹39.98 for 1 mg, and ₹77.69 for 2 mg.

This move aligns with the authority’s commitment to ensuring affordability in critical healthcare segments.

Manufacturers and marketing companies failing to comply with these set prices will be held accountable. Thus, it necessitated to deposit of any overcharged amount along with interest, as per the provisions of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013, in conjunction with the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

The NPPA’s directive underscores a stringent approach towards maintaining the stipulated prices, emphasizing that any deviation will be met with financial consequences.

This stringent monitoring is crucial to prevent exorbitant pricing that could burden patients and compromise accessibility to these life-saving medications.

In addition to Tacrolimus, the NPPA has also set the ceiling price for Co-trimoxazole at ₹2.30, a medication pivotal in combating bacterial infections causing pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

Further, the ceiling price for zinc sulphate tablets (20 mg) has been fixed at ₹3.41, reinforcing the authority’s commitment to regulating prices across a spectrum of essential drugs.

This development is a significant stride towards ensuring that critical medications remain affordable for the wider population.

By regulating the pricing of these formulations, the NPPA seeks to strike a balance between the interests of pharmaceutical companies and the healthcare needs of the public.

In navigating the delicate balance between pharmaceutical innovation and public health, the NPPA’s move serves as a beacon for equitable access to essential medicines.

Besides, it fosters a healthcare landscape where affordability is not a luxury but a fundamental right.

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