In a decisive action against overpricing, the Telangana State Drug Control Administration (TSDCA) has seized stocks of ‘Itrozen-100 Capsules’ from a medical shop in Mancherial. The antifungal medicine was found to be sold at rates exceeding the ceiling price set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013.

Key Highlights
Violation of Price Ceiling:

• The capsules, manufactured by Allcure Remedies LLP, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, were being retailed at ₹245 for a strip of 10 capsules.

• The NPPA ceiling price for the product is ₹166.7 per strip, including GST, bringing the maximum allowable price to ₹187.

• The firm was overcharging ₹58 per strip, in clear violation of the DPCO, 2013.

Legal Framework and Enforcement:

• The pricing of essential medicines must strictly adhere to the ceiling rates fixed by the Central Government under the DPCO.

• TSDCA's Director General, V. B. Kamalasan Reddy, emphasized that overpricing of essential medicines is a serious violation, warranting stringent legal action against violators.

Seized Stock and Regulatory Compliance:

• The seized antifungal capsules were marketed under the guise of being in compliance but failed to adhere to NPPA regulations.

• TSDCA officials conducted the raid in Mancherial, reinforcing the state's commitment to monitoring drug pricing compliance.

The TSDCA's enforcement action highlights the importance of adhering to government-mandated price controls for essential medicines. This step not only ensures affordability for consumers but also serves as a warning to manufacturers and distributors attempting to exploit patients through overpricing.