900 essential medicines become dearer by 6%; to increase patients’ burden by Rs 1500 - 2000

Hyderabad: Prices of more than 900 essential medicines have increased by over 6% from April 1, burdening crores of common people.

The hike was effected based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) of the previous financial year and is approved by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).

The prices of medicines prescribed for common and chronic diseases include:

* Allergies

* Infection

* Pain Relief

* Blood pressure

* Type 2 diabetes

* Worm infections

* Neurological Disorders

* Cardiovascular diseases

These are regular and fast-moving medicines in the market whose prices are now seeing a rise from 2 per cent to 6 per cent in the market.

Though the prices are revised based on WPI, the spike in prices will affect people who take medications for lifelong due to chronic conditions and have undergone transplant surgeries.

Burden on people facing chronic conditions

Many of the medicines, including paracetamol, amlodipine, metformin, and salbutamol inhalers, are not considered essential for treating several conditions and not luxuries.

Dr. Sai Kumar Katam, President, Doctor of Pharmacy Association, India, said: “For the common man, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or asthma, even a ₹1-2 increase per dose adds up to a significant monthly burden. When a family is choosing between food, transport, and medicines, affordability becomes a matter of survival.

In addition, the price of medicines including azithromycin, acyclovir, hydroxychloroquine, diclofenac, Vitamin B-Complex, ORS powder,and folic acid have also increased.

Impact on public health programs

The delivery of cost-effective treatment options through the public health programs and Jan Aushadhi outlets may take a hit due to the increase in prices of the medicines commonly used.

“We fear that rising prices could drive patients toward irregular medication use or unsafe, unregulated alternatives—both of which worsen health outcomes and increase long-term healthcare costs”, Dr Sai Kumar said.

Dr K B Srinivas, a practicing general medicine expert in Hyderabad explained, "Those who are suffering from cardiovascular diseases, transplant patients and cancer patients require a range of medicines. This price rise will increase their burden by Rs 1500 to Rs 2000 per month. This will affect these class of patients badly. The price rise is on common medicines which are used by a range of people and they all will feel the burden of this rise."

Ensure targeted subsidies

The Doctor of Pharmacy Association has urged the government and regulatory authorities to explore mechanisms such as targeted subsidies, differential pricing models, and a strengthened public supply chain to ensure that essential medicines remain accessible and affordable to every citizen, regardless of their economic background.