Clamping the pro-rata pricing norms further on the scheduled drugs, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has fixed the prices 1009 formulation packs, one of the largest lots in the recent past, targeting mainly the liquid category.

Invoking the powers under the sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) of paragraph 9 and paragraph 11 of the DPCO, the price regulator has fixed prices against the strengths of packs to effect the ceiling prices on liquid formulations with a view to restrain the drug manufacturers from fleecing the customers by making slight changes in the pack sizes.

The prices of a number of liquids, vials, cartridges, injections, blisters and strips including antibiotics, multivitamins, cough syrups, insulins, antipyretics and antihelminthics in different strengths were thus fixed.

Sulphadoxine, Pyrimethamine, Multivitamin suspensions, drops and syrups, Pseudoepedrine, Paracetamol, Cetrizine, Salbutamol, Salbutamol sulphate, Bromoxine HCL, Menthol Syrup, Erythromycin granules, syrup and suspensions, Levosalbutamol syrup, Expectorant, Theophylline Ethanoate, Ephedrine HCL, Guaiphenesin, Ibuprofen syrup and suspension, Furazolidone, Trimethoprim, Sulphamethoxazole drops, Pseudoephedrine, Diphenhydramine, Ammonium chloride , Sodium Citrate, Norfloxacin Syrup, Theophylline, Vitamin C Drop, Chloroquine Syrup, Prednisolone Syrup, Metronidazole and Monocomponent Insulin were among the formulations brought under the pro-rata pricing.

The prices were fixed against strengths of liquids in volumes of 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 250 and 500 mls. However, corresponding rates will be applicable to other strengths and sizes, according a recent NPPA order.

``The prices fixed are the maximum retail prices (inclusive of excise duty, sales tax/VAT and local taxes if any) in column (6) of table-I, for the specified pack and packs of similar strength, and manufacturer/marketing company cannot claim exemption on any ground therefrom, unless specifically permitted by the Government/NPPA through an order,'' it said.

``The manufacturer and marketing company for the above said formulation shall be required to take the requisite prior approval from the Competent Authority for any change in the composition of the above said formulation with written prior intimation to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, '' it added.