April 1, 2025: The prices of over 900 essential drugs, including widely used antibiotics, painkillers, and diabetes medications, have increased by up to 1.74 per cent from April 1, as per the latest revision by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The hike is based on the annual change in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

The revision affects medicines crucial for treating infections, heart diseases, diabetes, and other conditions. The price of commonly used antibiotic azithromycin (250 mg) has been set at ₹11.87 per tablet, while the 500 mg variant will cost ₹23.98 per tablet. Popular painkillers like ibuprofen will now cost ₹0.72 per tablet (200 mg) and ₹1.22 per tablet (400 mg).

A statement by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel, presented in Lok Sabha, clarified that the price revision follows the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013). “The ceiling prices of scheduled medicines are revised annually based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI),” she stated.

The NPPA, operating under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, regulates drug prices to keep essential medicines affordable while allowing for periodic revisions in line with inflation. Drug manufacturers can increase prices based on the revised WPI without requiring prior government approval.

Patients relying on essential medications may feel a slight pinch due to the price hike, although the NPPA maintains that the increase is in line with market fluctuations and regulatory frameworks.