Price Ceiling Fixed for Medicines Used in Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, Eye Disorders and Other Critical Illnesses
New Delhi, July 11 :
In a significant move to make healthcare more affordable, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has fixed the maximum retail prices of 39 essential drug formulations under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013.
According to an official notification issued on July 8, 2026, the revised retail prices are exclusive of applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST), wherever applicable. The decision is aimed at ensuring wider availability of life-saving and essential medicines at affordable prices, providing substantial financial relief to patients across the country.
The newly notified formulations include medicines used in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory illnesses, infections, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, eye ailments, vitamin deficiencies and several other chronic and critical health conditions.
Among the major medicines brought under the price ceiling are combinations containing Amlodipine, Telmisartan, Metoprolol, Atorvastatin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin, Metformin, Glimepiride, Dapagliflozin, Nebivolol, Bisoprolol, Olmesartan, Torsemide, Spironolactone, Tenecteplase Injection, Imatinib Oral Solution, Netarsudil with Latanoprost Eye Drops, Darunavir-Ritonavir-Dolutegravir Combination Kit, Vitamin D3 Oral Solution, Cetirizine Drops, Clobazam Oral Suspension and several other essential formulations.
The NPPA said the decision has been taken to ensure that patients have uninterrupted access to quality medicines at reasonable prices while maintaining affordability and availability across the country.
Under the notification, pharmaceutical manufacturers have been directed not to charge prices exceeding the notified retail rates. Companies have also been instructed to issue updated price lists to dealers, distributors and State Drug Controllers in accordance with the DPCO, 2013.
The Authority warned that any manufacturer found charging more than the approved retail price would face action under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Health experts believe the latest price regulation will significantly reduce the financial burden on lakhs of patients requiring long-term treatment for chronic illnesses, while strengthening access to affordable healthcare and essential medicines throughout India. (KNC)