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Essential Drug Prices Rise 0.64% as NPPA Allows WPI-Linked MRP Hike

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has permitted a 0.64% increase in the Maximum Retail Price of scheduled drug formulations. This adjustment is based on the annual Wholesale Price Index data provided by the government. The hike applies to the 900 medicines listed in the National List of Essential Medicines, which includes critical drugs like antibiotics and painkillers. Manufacturers can implement this increase without requiring prior government approval, as per the existing drug price control order.

Key Points: NPPA Allows 0.64% MRP Hike for Essential Drugs

  • 0.64% price hike allowed
  • Based on Wholesale Price Index
  • Covers 900 essential medicines
  • Includes antibiotics and painkillers
1 min read

NPPA allows 0.64% increase MRP of essential drugs including antibiotics, painkillers based on WPI

NPPA permits a 0.64% price increase for essential medicines like antibiotics and painkillers based on WPI data. No government approval needed.

"the manufacturers may increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of scheduled formulations on the basis of this WPI - NPPA Memorandum"

By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, March 26

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority on Wednesday announced that manufacturers may increase the Maximum Retail Price of scheduled formulations by 0.64% on the basis of the WPI.

"Based on the Wholesale Price Index (WP|) data provided by the office of the Economic Advisor, Department of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the annual change in WPI works out as (+)0.64956% during the calendar year 2025 over the corresponding period in 2024," reads the office memorandum issued on March 25.

According to the Memorandum, the manufacturer may increase the Maximum Retail Price of WPI and no prior approval of the Government will be requited, "As per provisions of Paragraph 16(2) of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 DPCO, 2013), the manufacturers may increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of scheduled formulations on the basis of this WPI and no prior approval of the Government in this regard shall be required."

The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) includes 900 formulations. These drugs include painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-infectives.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the percentage is small, any increase in the price of antibiotics and painkillers hits the common man's pocket directly. For families with chronic illnesses, even a few extra rupees per strip adds up over months. I hope the government monitors this closely.
P
Priya S
The process seems transparent, linking it to WPI. But my concern is about implementation. Will all chemists actually charge only this increased MRP, or will they take advantage? There needs to be a strong grievance mechanism for consumers.
A
Aman W
Good move. The pharmaceutical industry also faces rising costs of raw materials, logistics, and compliance. A minor annual adjustment based on official data is fair and prevents sudden, larger price shocks later. Keeps the market stable.
N
Nisha Z
With all due respect to the authorities, I find this concerning. The 'no prior approval' clause might be misused. What's stopping a company from hiking prices more than 0.64% and blaming it on WPI? Self-regulation doesn't always work in our experience. Hope I'm wrong.
K
Karthik V
Essential medicines should ideally have zero price increase. Health is a right, not a luxury. The government should subsidise this hike for the poorest sections. A small burden on the treasury, but a huge relief for crores of families. 🏥

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