You can’t be overcharged for 31 common medicines after drug authority imposes price cap | Mumbai news - Hindustan Times
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You can’t be overcharged for 31 common medicines after drug authority imposes price cap

Hindustan Times | BySadaguru Pandit, Mumbai
May 26, 2017 12:51 AM IST

Mumbai city news: Officials have notified all manufacturers to maintain the maximum retail price (MRP) if it is lower than the capped price

Four months after capping stent prices, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has put price restrictions on 31 common drugs, such as glucose, morphine, paracetamol, ibuprofen and snake venom antiserum.

According to officials, a total of 761 drugs have now been brought under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) since April 2016.(HT Representational Photo)
According to officials, a total of 761 drugs have now been brought under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) since April 2016.(HT Representational Photo)

According to officials, a total of 761 drugs have now been brought under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) since April 2016.

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While doctors said the medicines were available at lower rates in the market, NPPA officials said the move is an attempt to cover as many medicines as possible under NLEM and to stop artificial shortage or future price hikes.

“All manufacturers of scheduled formulations, selling the branded or generic or both versions of scheduled formulations at a price higher than the ceiling price [plus local taxes as applicable] fixed and notified by the government, shall revise the prices…,” said officials while releasing the list of drugs. “We started with major drugs and products like stents and are now covering common medicines. While the price change is only 10% to 15%, the move will ensure there is no black marketing in the future.”

Officials have notified all manufacturers to maintain the maximum retail price (MRP) if it is lower than the capped price. “The manufacturers may add local taxes only if they have paid them or if it is payable to the government on the ceiling price mentioned,” said the officials.

Every retailer and dealer is expected to display the main price list and the supplementary price list, if any, as furnished by the manufacturer, for the customers to check. The officials said that in cases of overcharging, the manufacturer or retailer shall be liable to deposit the overcharged amount along with interest under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 read with Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Read: Govt to amend norms to empower NPPA to fix prices of 350 drugs

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