Govt increases prices of anti-rabies injections that cure dog bites:Medicines for diabetes, heart disease will not be costlier as Centre puts limit

The government regulatory agency, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has increases prices of Anti-Rabies Immunoglobulin 300 IU/ml injection (1 ml) from ₹112.19 to ₹119.48, according to the news agency, ANI. Doctors give this injection in case of dog bites. The regulator has also capped retail prices of 39 commonly used medicines used for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and other therapies. The ceiling prices have been fixed under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. According to the official document, NPPA has fixed the retail price of Calcium and Vitamin D3 Tablets at ₹8.93 per tablet inclusive of Goods Services Tax (GST). The revision is part of NPPA’s periodic review to ensure availability and affordability of critical care medicines. The price fixation and capping come amid the government’s continued push to make essential medicines more affordable and to check excessive pricing in the market. Price revisions take effect immediately NPPA has directed manufacturers and marketers to ensure that the revised prices are implemented immediately and that the new Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) are printed on packs along with the mandatory declaration. Fixing prices of Calcium-Vitamin D3 tabs to help patients: Experts Industry officials said to ANI that the inclusion of Calcium-Vitamin D3, widely prescribed for bone health and deficiency management, and Anti-Rabies Immunoglobulin, used in post-exposure prophylaxis, in the notified list will directly benefit patients and hospitals. (This is a developing news)