Hike in prices of medicines hits poor

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced on April 1 this year that the prices of over 850 medicines on the National List of Essential Medicines, would go up by 10.7 per cent as part of an annual exercise. This is not the first time that the NPPA announced such increases. In 2021, the NPPA announced an increase in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) of 0.53%.

In 2020, the hike was 1.88%, in 2019 and 2018 it was 4.26% and 3.43% respectively. In 2017, the effective increase in WPI was set at 1.97% but in 2016, it was set at (-) 2.71%.

The increase in WPI in 2022 is the highest since the Drug Price Control Order, 2013, came into effect.

According to a survey in Guwahati, the prices of all medicines used to treat fever, infections, diabetes, heart disease, anaemia, high blood pressure, and skin diseases have risen exponentially. The prices of medicines for fever, kidney and vitamins have increased by 20%, 10% and 15% respectively. The cost of drugs used to treat diabetes has increased by 20% with the insulin alone witnessing a price hike of 10%. An attendant of a patient under treatment at the GMCH said, "Medicines are a must. Such a steep hike in the prices of medicine is detrimental to the poor. The government hikes the prices of other commodities. It should spare medicines."

Also Read:   Prices of Essential Medicine Set To Rise By 10.7% From April 2022

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