Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, July 11: In a major relief for lacs of poor and middle-class families spending thousands of rupees every month on medicines, the Centre has capped the retail prices of 39 essential drug formulations used to treat chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has issued an order fixing the maximum retail prices of the notified medicines. The move is expected to lower the cost of several commonly prescribed drugs, easing the financial burden on patients who require long-term treatment.
Price cap to ease burden on long-term patients
Patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease often have to remain on medication for years, and in many cases throughout their lives. With the retail price cap now in place, the prices of the notified medicines are expected to come down, resulting in noticeable savings in monthly and annual healthcare expenses, particularly for poor households.
The decision is also expected to benefit pensioners, senior citizens and patients living with multiple chronic illnesses, for whom medicine costs account for a significant share of household expenditure.
Calcium, Vitamin D3 tablets also covered
Besides medicines used for diabetes and hypertension, the NPPA has fixed the retail price of calcium and Vitamin D3 tablets at Rs 8.93 per tablet (inclusive of GST).
These supplements are commonly prescribed for senior citizens, post-menopausal women and people with weak bones or calcium deficiency.
The authority has also revised the retail price of Anti-Rabies Immunoglobulin injection, administered as emergency treatment after dog bites or bites from animals suspected of carrying rabies, to ?119.48. The injection is given along with the anti-rabies vaccine and plays a crucial role in providing immediate protection against rabies infection.
Not every diabetes or BP medicine will become cheaper
The NPPA clarified that the revised prices apply only to the specific formulations and strengths mentioned in its notification. Consequently, not all diabetes or blood pressure medicines will see a price reduction.
Patients will benefit only if the medicine prescribed by their doctor is among the formulations covered under the NPPA's latest notification.