ICONE antifungal sold at Rs 193 extra at Quthbullapur shop; stock seized
The capsules were being sold at Rs 441.24 for 10 capsules when the ceiling price fixed for the drug cannot be more than Rs 22.12 for one capsule
By Newsmeter Network Published on 23 July 2024 9:58 AM GMT
Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, seized a stock of overpriced antifungal medicine ICONE-200 Capsules at Quthbullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
The capsules were being sold at Rs 441.24 for 10 capsules when the ceiling price fixed for the drug cannot be more than Rs 22.12 for one capsule. The ceiling price is fixed by the Central government.
Case details
During the raids carried out on July 22-23, DCA officials seized ICONE-200 Capsules (Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg) at a medical shop in Quthbullapur.
The product Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg sold under the brand name āICONE-200 Capsulesā is under price control as per the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The price of the product has to be within the Ceiling Price fixed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Government of India.
However, at the medical shop, the stock of the capsules bore an MRP of Rs 441.24 for 10 capsules i.e. Rs 44.12 per capsule, in violation of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
The ceiling price fixed by the Central Government, including the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for the product Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg, is Rs 22.12 for one capsule.
Hence, the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) i.e. including GST 12 per cent should not be more than Rs 24.77 for one capsule (MRP = Ceiling Price + GST)
The firm overpriced the product by charging an excess of Rs 193.5 for 10 capsules.
Upon examining the records, the officials found that the capsules were manufactured at Mascot Health Series Pvt. Ltd. in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. A case has been registered and further investigation is on.
Public advisory
The prices of essential medicines shall be in accordance with the ceiling prices fixed by the Central government. Overpricing of essential medicines is a violation under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, and stringent action shall be taken as per the law against violators.
The public may report any complaints regarding illegal activities concerning medicines through the DCA, Telangana toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.
