Centre Caps Prices of 42 Essential Medicines to Ease Patient Burden

Bhubaneswar : In a major relief for patients, the central government has fixed the retail prices of 42 commonly used medicines, including broad-spectrum antibiotics and drugs produced by companies like Ipca Laboratories. The decision was taken by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to make essential drugs more affordable and accessible.

Among the revised prices, the Meropenem and Sulbactam injection — often prescribed to prevent organ rejection post-transplant — will now cost Rs 1,938.59 per vial. Similarly, Mycophenolate Mofetil, widely used in transplant care, has been capped at Rs 131.58 per tablet. Clarithromycin extended-release tablets, manufactured by Abbott Healthcare and commonly used to treat bacterial infections, will now be priced at Rs 71.71 per tablet.

Officials explained that the move is part of NPPA’s broader effort to regulate the market and curb arbitrary pricing by pharmaceutical companies. Earlier in February, NPPA had directed all drug manufacturers to submit their price lists to state drug regulators and the government, ensuring oversight and consistency.

To make this regulation effective, NPPA has mandated that every retailer and dealer must prominently display the official price list and supplementary details in a public and easily visible location. This measure, officials say, will allow citizens to verify whether medicines are being sold at government-approved rates.

Health experts believe the decision will provide a double benefit: easing the financial stress of patients who depend on life-saving drugs while also curbing profiteering in the retail pharmaceutical market. By enforcing transparent pricing, the government hopes to strengthen public confidence in healthcare access and affordability.