Patna, Bihar: Patients suffering from blood pressure, migraines, stomach, and heart-related ailments in Bihar will have to loosen their purse strings further as the prices of essential medicines have been increased once again. Just about two and a half months ago, the prices of medicines had surged in Bihar. Now, from April 1, the prices of crucial medicines have been raised.
According to experts, the hike in medicine prices is attributed to changes in the annual wholesale price index by pharmaceutical companies. A decision has been taken to increase the rates of medicines by up to 10 to 12 percent.
Increase in prices of medicines for asthma, cough, and breathing:
The price of Nexdom, a migraine medicine, has been raised by Rs 15 per strip. Similarly, Asiflo 250 Transcaps, a medicine for asthma, cough, and breathing difficulties, has witnessed an increase of Rs 47 per strip. The price of Telmisartan City, a medicine for stomach pain, has been hiked by Rs 53 per strip. Oflox Oz, an antibacterial medicine, has seen a price hike of Rs 16 per strip. All these medicines had witnessed a 10 percent increase in prices just half a year ago.
Medicine name – New price – Old price
Nexdom – 171 – 156
Asiflo Transcaps – 525 – 478
Oflox Oz – 181 – 165
Pantacid CSR – 229 – 215
Telplus – 171 – 156
Sipolar ELA20 – 62 – 56
Calvit – 112 – 102
Note: These prices are for one strip.
Repeated price hikes leading to confusion among traders:
Sanjay Bhadani, Secretary of the Bihar Retail Chemists Association, said that pharmaceutical companies can increase prices by a maximum of 10 percent annually. However, frequent price hikes lead to confusion. Meanwhile, Tarun Kumar Singh, Administrative Secretary of the Bihar Drugs and Chemists Association, stated that the Wholesale Price Index is reviewed by the government every year. Under this, there is an increase of up to 10 to 12 percent in the prices of medicines. The increased prices will be effective from April 1.
Medicine prices are determined by the central government:
Dr. Sachchidanand Vikrant, District Assistant Drug Controller of the Drug Controller Administration, said that medicine prices are determined by the central government. Medicines are not being sold above the fixed price in Patna. Action will be taken upon receiving complaints. Moreover, several actions have been taken in cases of discrepancies in medicines multiple times.
