Oil prices are increasing continuously and in the meantime another shock of inflation is going to happen from April 1. In fact, from April 1, the prices of some essential medicines will increase. The National Drug Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved a 10.7 per cent hike in the prices of medicines. After this decision of the Drug Pricing Authority, an increase in the prices of essential medicines can be seen from April 1, which will have an impact on the pocket of the common man.
According to a report in Live Mint, the prices of such medicines which are included in the National Essential List of Medicines (NELM) will see an increase. These include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, nasal, ear and throat medicines, antiseptics, pain relievers, gas medicines and antifungal medicines. The NPPA issued an information list saying, “This is brought to the notice of all concerned for further action as per the provisions of the Drugs Price Control Order, 2013.”
According to the NPPA Office Memorandum it was informed that, “Based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data provided by the Office of the Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the WPI during the calendar year 2021 The annual change in The pharmaceutical industry welcomed the government’s decision, saying that the 10% increase in the prices of related medicines is happening after many years.
When the new prices of medicines are released from April 1, then the prices of medicines used in the treatment of fever, infection, heart disease, hard blood pressure, skin diseases and anemia will increase, due to which the cost of treatment will also increase. Prices of medicines like Paracetamol, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride will also see an increase.
Let us tell you that from April 1, a reduction in the prices of smartphones can be seen because the government had given concession in custom duty from 5 to 12.5 percent in the budget. Also, smart watches and bands are also likely to be cheaper. Whereas, wireless ear buds and neck band headphones may see an increase in prices as the import duty on their parts was increased.