Price cap in 530 essential medicines, including 47 for cancer

New Delhi: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the ceiling prices for 530 essential medicines, including 47 for cancer and 22 for HIV, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Under its provisions, NPPA has fixed the ceiling prices in respect of 530 medicines under National List of Essential Medicines 2011 (NLEM), including 47 for cancer and 22 for HIV, based on market price data, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said during Question Hour.

In addition, maximum retail price has been capped under the Drug Price Control Order 2013 (DPCO) in respect of 106 non-scheduled medicines, of which 84 are used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases and 22 for diabetes.

NPPA has also fixed the retail prices of 247 'new drugs' under the DPCO 2013, he said. Ahir said the provisions under National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy 2012 are to put in place a regulatory framework for pricing of essential drugs as per the strength and dosages as specified in NLEM which satisfy the priority health care needs of a majority of the population.

Subsequently, 2013 DPCO was notified by the government.