The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has increased the price of chloroquine phosphate, the most widely used drug against malaria, and also revised the prices of 42 formulation packs.

The price of chloroquine phosphate has been increased to Rs.1007 per kg, from Rs.861, according to an official notification by the price regulating agency. Earlier, the price was fixed in March 2009.

“In supersession of the order of the Government of India in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority) S.O. Number 637(E) dated 6th March, 2009, in so far as it relates to chloroquine phosphate, except in respect to things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority hereby fixes the price at which the bulk drug shall be sold,” the notification said.

The 42 formulation packs, whose prices were revised by the agency, belonged to drugs like dexamethasone, dexamethasone with combination, gentamycin with combination, neomycin with combination, Pred Forte, Vitalux Plus, and Lantus.

“The manufacturer or marketing company not complying with the ceiling prices and conditions specified in notes herein above within 15 days from the date of above said notification, shall be liable to deposit overcharged amount along with the interest under the provisions of the DPCO, 1995 read with the EC Act, 1955,” the notification.

“The prices fixed/notified under the provisions of DPCO, 1995 have to be mandatorily implemented by the manufacturing /marketing company notwithstanding its status of compliance of conditions for such formulation pack under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940,” the order said.