On Friday, India’s drug pricing authority approved a 10.7% price hike for scheduled drugs, the highest increase allowed. Over 800 drugs under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) will also see a price hike.
Painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-infectives are among the essential medicines whose prices will rise from April, with the government approving a 10-percent price hike.
Paracetamol, antibiotics, including azithromycin, used to treat bacterial infections, anemia medications, vitamins, and minerals are included in the NLEM list of medications. Some drugs are used to treat moderately to severely ill Covid-19 patients and steroids are also included.
These essential drugs, which come under price control, account for 16% of the total pharma market. The increase is in line with the wholesale price index, the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority said in a public notice on Friday.
