Shimla/ Solan
With the start of the new financial year, people in India are set to face a slight increase in the prices of essential medicines. From April 1, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has allowed a price hike for more than 900 medicines listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
According to the order issued by the NPPA, the maximum retail prices (MRP) of scheduled medicines can be increased by up to 0.64956 percent, based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). This change will apply to medicines included in the National List of Essential Medicines, which are widely used for common health conditions.
The price rise will affect several commonly used drugs, including medicines for fever, pain, infections, anemia, and nutritional deficiencies. Essential medicines such as paracetamol, various antibiotics, anemia treatments, and vitamin and mineral supplements are among those that may become slightly more expensive.
Although the percentage increase is relatively small, the rise in prices of everyday medicines is expected to directly impact consumers, particularly families that rely on regular medication for ongoing health conditions.
Under the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013, pharmaceutical companies are allowed to revise the prices of scheduled medicines within the permitted limit without seeking prior approval from the government.
Industry experts say the increase comes amid a steady rise in the cost of raw materials used in drug manufacturing. Global conditions and tensions in West Asia have driven up the prices of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and solvents. According to industry sources, API prices have increased by 30 to 35 percent in recent months.
Other inputs have also become costlier. The price of glycerin has risen by about 64 percent, paracetamol by around 25 percent, and ciprofloxacin by nearly 30 percent. Additionally, the cost of packaging materials such as aluminum foil, plastic, and other components has also gone up significantly, with some packaging inputs recording price increases of nearly 40 percent.
Representatives from the pharmaceutical industry say that compared to the sharp rise in input costs, the allowed price increase of 0.64 percent is relatively limited. They believe it may not fully offset the rising expenses related to raw materials, packaging, and logistics. Industry groups have indicated that they may raise this issue with the government more strongly in the coming months.
