Federation has sought clear rules to ensure that consumers receive the benefits of such schemes
In a representation to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and other drug regulators, federation president Ashokswamy Heroor, in Gangavathi, sought clarification on how free medicines should be accounted for under the Drugs Prices Control Order (DPCO), 2013. The federation welcomed the Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department’s Oct 1 circular directing hospitals, distributors, carrying and forwarding agents, stockists and traders to display landing/base prices and MRPs on bills. The directive is to be implemented from Nov 1, 2026.
The key question, Heroor said, was whether the landing price should be calculated by averaging the cost of purchased and free medicines or whether the additional units should be supplied to patients free of charge. Such pricing allows chain stores to offer steep discounts, putting traditional medical stores at a disadvantage, the federation said. It sought an investigation into the practice and urged pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower MRPs and follow ethical business practices.