Increase in Medicine Prices: Over 900 Essential Drugs to Become Costlier from April 1, 2025

The prices of over 900 essential medicines, including those for heart disease, neurological disorders, ENT issues, and diabetes, will rise from April 1, 2025. The price hike will also affect antibiotics and infection-preventing drugs, with an estimated increase of around 1.79%.

Annual Price Adjustment Based on Wholesale Price Index

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved this price revision. Each year, drug prices are adjusted based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). According to the Drug Price Control Order, manufacturers are permitted to increase prices in line with WPI changes.

Price Hike for Stents and Antibiotics

✔ Heart Stents: The price of bare-metal stents has been set at ₹10,993, while drug-eluting stents will cost ₹38,933. A 2% price increase is expected.
✔ Antibiotics: Azithromycin 250mg tablets will cost ₹11.87, and 500mg tablets will be priced at ₹23.98.
✔ Antiviral & Antimalarial Drugs: Acyclovir 200mg tablets will cost ₹7.74, and 400mg tablets ₹13.90. Hydroxychloroquine 200mg will be priced at ₹6.47.

Essential Medicines to be Available at Revised Rates

The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) includes anesthesia drugs, allergy medications, paracetamol, anemia treatments, and vitamin supplements. These medicines will also be available at revised prices.