Question : Price of Medicines and Food Supplements

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that various medicines and food supplements being sold by pharmacists in various parts of the country have difference in rates;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to devise some mechanism or procedure to ensure uniform rates of medicines and food supplements in all parts of the country and in all shops within a State or city; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

(a) to (d) :- Under Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, no one can sell the scheduled formulations (medicines) specified under Schedule-I at a price higher than the ceiling price (plus local taxes as applicable) fixed and notified by the Government. Both generic and branded versions of medicines are treated alike for fixation of ceiling price. However, under Para 13(2) of DPCO, 2013, all existing manufacturers of scheduled formulations selling at a price lower than notified ceiling price plus local taxes are required to maintain their existing MRP. In respect of non-scheduled formulations, no manufacturer is allowed to increase the MRP by more than 10% of MRP during preceding 12 months. However, there is no restriction on the launch price of non-scheduled formulations under DPCO, 2013.
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