NPPA raises ceiling prices of 11 formulations of 8 essential drugs by 50% to ensure availability
On 14 October 2024, in India, the NPPA announced a 50% increase in ceiling prices of 11 scheduled formulations of 8 drugs, invoking extraordinary powers under Para 19 of DPCO, 2013.
Summary
On 14 October 2024, in India, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced that its full Authority meeting on 8 October 2024 had approved a 50% increase in the ceiling prices of 11 scheduled formulations of 8 drugs, invoking extraordinary powers under Para 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, in public interest. Manufacturers had cited rising API and production costs. The formulations include Benzyl Penicillin, Atropine, Streptomycin, Salbutamol, Pilocarpine, Cefadroxil, Desferrioxamine and Lithium. Similar powers were used in 2019 (21 formulations) and 2021 (9 formulations).
Key facts
- Announced
- 14 Oct 2024
- Decision
- Full Authority meeting, 8 Oct 2024
- Increase
- 50% of ceiling price
- Scope
- 11 formulations of 8 drugs
- Power used
- Para 19, DPCO 2013
- Earlier uses
- 2019 (21), 2021 (9)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
By how much did the NPPA raise the ceiling prices of 11 scheduled formulations of 8 drugs, as announced on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 50%
PIB (14 Oct 2024): NPPA approved increase in the ceiling prices of eleven scheduled formulations of eight drugs by 50% of their current ceiling prices.
Consider the following statements about the NPPA decision announced on 14 October 2024: 1. The NPPA reduced the ceiling prices of the eight drugs. 2. The NPPA invoked extraordinary powers under Para 19 of the DPCO, 2013. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 2 is correct; statement 1 is wrong. PIB (14 Oct 2024): invoking extraordinary powers under Para 19 of DPCO 2013, NPPA approved an increase (not a reduction) in ceiling prices.