Question : REVIEW OF PRICES OF DRUGS BY NPPA

(a) wehther it is fact that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) recently reviewed the prices of certain drugs like Vitamin-C Idochlogohydroxy quinoline, etc. ;

(b) if so, the revised prices of the drgus fixed as a result thereof;

(c) whether the Government had earlier brought down the prices of the major multi-vitamin combinations;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the impact of the reduced prices is not being felt by the consumer; and

(f) if so, the measures proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that the benefit of the reduced prices is passed on to the consumers?

THE MINISTER OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA)

(a) to (f) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.107 FOR ANSWER ON THE 25TH fEBRUARY,2003.

(a) to (f) : The Natinal Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) had recently reviewed the prices of bulk drug Vitamin C and drug Idochlorohydroxy-quinoline (ICHQ). The prices of bulk drug Vitamin C (Plain), Vitamin C (coated) and Sodium Ascorbate were revised downward on 06.09.2002 to Rs.423.00/kg, Rs.419.00/kg and Rs.466.00/kg from the then prices of Rs.526.00/kg, Rs.526.00/kg and Rs.592.00/kg, respectively. The prices of bulk drug Idochlorohydroxy-quinoline was revised upward on 06.09.2002 to Rs.764.00/kg from the then price of Rs.740.00/kg. The prices of formulations containing bulk drug Vitamin C as single ingredient as well as multi-vitamin combinationswere also revised. These prices were revised downward ranging between 0.16% to 51.44% on 24.12.2002. The prices of formulations containing bulk drug Idochlorohydroxy-quinoline were revised upward ranging between 0.94% to 3.55% on 24.12.2002. The major formulators of the multi-vitamin formulation have submitted to NPPA the price list showing the revised price of the multi-vitamin preparations.