People suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other long-term illnesses may now get some relief from rising medicine costs.
The government has fixed the maximum prices of 30 important medicines that are commonly used for chronic health conditions.
The new order has been issued by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and came into effect on May 27, 2026.
Under this rule, no pharmacy or medical store can charge more than the prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for these medicines.
Why Were Medicine Prices a Major Concern?
One of the biggest problems in India’s healthcare system has been the huge price difference between medicines containing the same ingredients.
The same medicine is often sold under different brand names at very different prices.
For example, a medicine that costs ₹15 under one brand may be sold for ₹40 under another. Most patients are unaware of the actual price and usually purchase the brand recommended by their doctor.
In many cases, pharmaceutical companies have also been able to set their own prices for newer medicines or drugs whose prices were not regulated by the government.
As a result, patients with diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions often spend thousands of rupees every month on medicines.
What Changes After the New NPPA Order?
With the latest notification, the government has fixed the MRP of 30 essential medicines.
This means no company, distributor, pharmacy, or medical store can charge more than the approved price. Any seller found charging above the fixed MRP could face legal action.
The move is expected to make important medicines more affordable and protect patients from overpaying.
New Prices of Key Medicines
For diabetes patients, the combination tablet of Vildagliptin and Metformin will now cost no more than ₹9.79 per tablet.
The price of tablets containing Sitagliptin, Glimepiride, and Metformin has been fixed between ₹10.39 and ₹11.91 per tablet.
A combination of Teneligliptin and Dapagliflozin has been priced at ₹10.17 per tablet. Since these medicines are usually taken daily, the monthly cost for 30 tablets will remain around ₹300 to ₹360.
For patients with heart disease and high blood pressure, the combination of Bisoprolol and Amlodipine will cost between ₹7.31 and ₹9.40 per tablet.
The price of Cilnidipine and Telmisartan tablets has been fixed between ₹12.98 and ₹14.95 per tablet.
The cholesterol-lowering combination of Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate will cost ₹18.46 per tablet.
For bone health and nutritional deficiencies, Vitamin D3 Oral Solution has been priced between ₹14.91 and ₹15.88 per ml. A tablet containing Calcium, Vitamin D3, Methylcobalamin, and L-Methylfolate Calcium will cost ₹19.78.
One of the biggest reliefs comes for transplant patients. The government has fixed the price of Tacrolimus Prolonged Release Capsules, used after kidney and liver transplants, at ₹127 per capsule.
Since this medicine is generally expensive, the price cap is expected to help many patients.
For allergy and asthma treatment, Bilastine and Montelukast tablets will cost ₹21.22. Meanwhile, tablets containing Paracetamol, Phenylephrine, and Chlorpheniramine for fever and pain relief have been priced at ₹5.15.
What Should Consumers Do?
Whenever you buy medicines, always check the MRP printed on the strip or medicine box. If a pharmacy asks for a higher price, you have the right to refuse the purchase.
According to NPPA rules, every medical store must display its medicine price list. If you find any violation, you can file a complaint through the NPPA website or contact the State Drug Controller’s office.
The order applies to medicines manufactured by several major pharmaceutical companies, including Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Alkem Wellness, Zydus Lifesciences, Ipca Laboratories, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Intas Pharmaceuticals, Mankind Pharma, and Macleods Pharmaceuticals.
This decision is expected to reduce the financial burden on millions of patients who depend on these medicines every day.
