The central government has taken an important step to free the common man from excessive expenditure in the medical sector. The Department of Medicines under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has fixed the maximum retail prices of 30 essential medicines including diabetes, heart disease, antibiotics and vitamin supplements. The government has taken this important decision to ensure that the general public has access to life-saving medicines at affordable prices.
Government notices name various drug manufacturers and fix the prices of specific drugs produced by them. Cholecalciferol Oral Solution (60,000 IU) manufactured by Pharma Synth Formulations is priced at Rs 15.88 per ml. Similarly, Vitamin D-3 Oral Solution (60,000 IU) manufactured by Tirupati Medicare is priced at Rs 14.91 per ml. In addition, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has also determined the prices of medicines containing calcium, methylcobalamin, L-methylfolate calcium and pyridoxal-5.
Atorvastatin and fenofibrate tablets, which are used to control lipid levels in the body, cost Rs 18.46 each. Bilastin and Montelukast tablets, used in the treatment of allergies, are now priced at Rs 21.22. Bisoprolol fumarate and amlodipine tablets for high blood pressure and heart disease cost Rs 9.40 each. The retail price of empagliflozin, sitagliptin and metformin extended release tablets, widely used in the treatment of diabetes patients, has been fixed at Rs 14.88 per tablet.
The notification clearly states that these prices are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). If a drug manufacturer is subject to GST, they can add only the necessary GST to this maximum price. The government has warned that strict legal action will be taken against any agency or retailer who charges consumers more than the stipulated price. This move of the present government is expected to play an important role in bringing relief to the common people and curbing irregularities in the drug market of the country.
post The Center has fixed maximum prices for 30 life-saving medicines. appeared first Northeast Now (Assamese).
