New Delhi: The central government has implemented a 12% price increase on 800 essential medicines. This adjustment, attributed to a notable surge in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), encompasses vital drugs such as painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-infectives, impacting over 1,000 formulations.

Under the mandates of the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) annually reviews WPI fluctuations to recalibrate medication prices. Last year, a 10.7 percent WPI change prompted adjustments.

Included within the National Essential List of Medicines (NELM), these affected drugs span various categories, encompassing antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and gastrointestinal medicines. The government's decision aligns with Clause 16 of the Drugs Price Control Order 2013, enabling price revisions based on preceding year WPI data.

Daara B. Patel, Secretary-General of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association affirmed that while consumers may experience a slight burden, the adjustment reflects a balanced approach to sustaining pharmaceutical operations.

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