The Government of India has fixed the prices of 71 critical drug formulations, covering treatments for metastatic breast cancer, severe infections, allergies, diabetes, and more. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) issued the notification as part of its ongoing efforts to make essential medicines more affordable and accessible to citizens.
GST May Be Added Only If Payable
The NPPA’s directive allows manufacturers to add Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the retail price only if they have paid it or must pay it to the government. This move promotes transparency and prevents manufacturers from applying unjustified markups on life-saving medicines.
Trastuzumab for Breast Cancer Priced at ₹11,966 per Vial
Reliance Life Sciences has priced Trastuzumab at ₹11,966 per vial. This crucial medicine treats metastatic breast cancer and gastric cancer.
Peptic Ulcer Drug Fixed at ₹162.50 per Tablet
As reported by TOI, the NPPA has also fixed the price of a triple-combination drug—containing clarithromycin, esomeprazole, and amoxicillin—at ₹162.50 per tablet. Torrent Pharmaceuticals manufactures the drug, which doctors commonly prescribe to treat peptic ulcer disease that causes sores in the stomach lining.
Life-Saving Antibiotics Get Price Caps
Two formulations used for treating life-threatening infections have also received price ceilings:
- A combipack of ceftriaxone, disodium edetate, and sulbactam powder has been priced at ₹626 per vial.
- A similar combination from Tyykem has been capped at ₹515.50 per vial, offering a slightly more affordable alternative.
Retail Prices Fixed for Multiple Antidiabetic Drugs
In a major step toward controlling the cost of diabetes treatment, NPPA has notified the retail prices of 25 antidiabetic formulations containing sitagliptin, along with several empagliflozin-based combinations. These price controls aim to make long-term diabetes management more affordable for patients across India.
Mandatory Price List Display for Retailers and E-Pharmacies
Reinforcing price transparency, the NPPA reiterated its February directive requiring all drug manufacturers to issue updated price lists to dealers, state drug controllers, and relevant government authorities. This includes every price fixation or revision listed in NPPA’s notifications or government orders.
An NPPA official explained, “This directive empowers consumers to verify if pharmacies are selling medicines at government-fixed prices.”
Retailers Must Display Prices Prominently—Physically and Online
According to the February order, all retailers and dealers must display the official price list. They must also place any supplementary lists in a clearly visible area of their premises. This rule applies not only to physical stores but also to virtual and online pharmacies.
The NPPA’s move reinforces public accountability and aims to protect consumers from overcharging. It ensures that affordable healthcare remains a right and not a privilege.