Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, stated that ceiling prices of 856 medicines have been fixed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), resulting in a saving of Rs. 11,462 crore for patients (as on 30th November 2018).
This statement was made by the Minister while giving a written reply to a question on Government’s initiative of ensuring affordable, quality medicines for all, in Lok Sabha today.
Shri Mandaviya also said that after fixing the ceiling price of coronary stents, NPPA has been closely watching their availability in the country. No shortage has been reported till now in this regard. Presently, prices have been fixed by NPPA for 856 formulations, including 4 medical devices, which are covered under Schedule–I of the DPCO, 2013.
NPPA monitors the Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of all drugs including the non-scheduled formulations (As per Paragraph 20 of the DPCO 2013). It also ensures that no manufacturer increases the maximum retail price of a drug more than 10% of maximum retail price (MRP) in preceding twelve months.
NPPA is effectively monitoring the prices of medicines including the non-scheduled formulations. It also takes action on the companies found overcharging.
Shri Mandaviya also added that 4571 PMBJP outlets are functional across the country. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has also launched a Scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) for making quality generic medicines at affordable prices to all through specific outlets.
