Bengaluru, 1st April: The prices of over 800 drugs under the NLEM (National List of Essential Medicines) is set to increase from 1st of April. This list of drug include drugs like paracetamol, azithromycin (used to treat various types of infections), doxycycline (used to treat bacterial infections), antiseptics, painkillers and medication for high blood pressure, diabetes and Covid-19.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced the upsurge in price by 10.7% in the wholesale price index (WPI), for the year 2021. According to pharmaceutical experts, the price of these essential drugs may increase by 3 to 18 rupees depending on the companies manufacturing the drugs. The pharmaceutical industry welcomed the government’s call stating that this 10% hike in scheduled drugs is after many years. This hike would also indicates the prices of medical devices would go up.
Many activist have slammed the move, stating that it would suck the pockets of people, belonging to middle class and poor economic status. This addition would make essential drugs unaffordable. The experts told this move would not only affect the consumers but also the state government. The state government provides many of these essential drugs for free in primary health clinic and state funded hospitals. A patient suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure spends approximately 2000–2500 rupees on medicine monthly.
By – Nishant Agarwalla
