NPPA Slashes Prices of 35 Essential Medicines to Ease Patient Burden

New Delhi, Aug 2025 : In a significant move to make essential medicines more affordable, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced a reduction in the retail prices of 35 key drug formulations. These include widely used anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antibiotic, anti-diabetic, and psychiatric medicines, providing much-needed relief to patients, particularly those managing chronic health conditions.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers issued the price notification based on NPPA’s recommendations. Prominent drugs covered under this price revision include fixed-dose combinations of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, Trypsin Chymotrypsin, Amoxycillin with Potassium Clavulanate, Atorvastatin with Clopidogrel, and advanced oral anti-diabetic drugs like Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin, and Metformin.

For instance, the price of an Aceclofenac-Paracetamol-Trypsin Chymotrypsin tablet, manufactured by Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals and marketed by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, has been capped at Rs 13. The same formulation sold by Cadila Pharmaceuticals will now retail at Rs 15.01. Similarly, a combination tablet of Atorvastatin 40 mg and Clopidogrel 75 mg, commonly prescribed for heart ailments, will now cost Rs 25.61.

Pediatric oral suspensions, such as Cefixime-Paracetamol combinations, have also been included in the list. Additionally, essential formulations like Cholecalciferol drops for Vitamin D supplementation and Diclofenac Injections, used for pain and inflammation management, are now priced at Rs 31.77 per ml.

The NPPA has directed retailers and dealers to prominently display updated price lists at their premises. Non-compliance with the revised prices could invite strict penalties under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which may include recovery of overcharged amounts with interest.

The prices mentioned are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST), which manufacturers may add wherever applicable. All pharmaceutical companies have been instructed to upload updated price lists in Form V through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS) and ensure submission to NPPA and respective state drug controllers.

This latest notification supersedes any previous price orders for the specified formulations and manufacturers. The NPPA, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, continues to play a critical role in regulating drug prices across India, ensuring accessibility and affordability for consumers.