Government Cuts Prices of 35 Essential Medicines to Ease Patient Burden
New Delhi: In a move aimed at making essential medicines more affordable, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced a reduction in the retail prices of 35 key drug formulations, many of which are widely used to manage chronic and critical health conditions.
The price cut, notified by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, includes medications for a range of conditions—anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antibiotic, anti-diabetic, and psychiatric treatments. The decision is expected to provide significant relief to patients, especially those who depend on long-term medication.
Among the drugs whose prices have been revised are fixed-dose combinations of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, and Trypsin Chymotrypsin—commonly used for pain and inflammation. For instance, a tablet containing this combination and manufactured by Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals (marketed by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories) will now cost ₹13, while the same combination from Cadila Pharmaceuticals is priced at ₹15.01.
Other major formulations covered under the revised list include Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg, widely prescribed for heart conditions, which will now retail at ₹25.61 per tablet.
Important paediatric formulations like Cefixime and Paracetamol oral suspensions, and essential supplements such as Cholecalciferol drops (Vitamin D) have also seen price reductions. Injectable medications like Diclofenac Injection, used for pain relief, have been capped at ₹31.77 per ml.
The NPPA has directed all retailers and dealers to prominently display updated price lists in their shops and establishments. Any violation of these price controls could lead to penalties under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including recovery of overcharged amounts with interest.
The NPPA clarified that the newly fixed prices are exclusive of GST, which may be added as applicable. Manufacturers are also required to update their price lists using Form V via the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS) and submit the revised information to the NPPA and relevant state drug regulators.
Any earlier price notifications for the specified drugs and manufacturers now stand superseded by this latest order.
Operating under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the NPPA serves as India’s primary regulator for drug prices. It is responsible for fixing and revising the prices of pharmaceutical products, ensuring availability of affordable medicines, and preventing overpricing by manufacturers.
This latest step reflects the government’s continued efforts to strengthen public healthcare access and affordability, particularly for those who rely on essential medications every day.
Dr Bhumika Maikhuri is a Consultant Orthodontist at Sanjeevan Hospital, Delhi. She is also working as a Correspondent and a Medical Writer at Medical Dialogues. She completed her BDS from Dr D Y patil dental college and MDS from Kalinga institute of dental sciences. Apart from dentistry, she has a strong research and scientific writing acumen. At Medical Dialogues, She focusses on medical news, dental news, dental FAQ and medical writing etc.