Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Panel urges stricter regulation of non-scheduled drug prices
A parliamentary panel in India has asked the government to control the prices of non-scheduled drugs, which make up 82% of the country's pharmaceutical market.
These drugs are not currently regulated by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
The panel found that some of these drugs have mark-ups of over 100%, which is harmful to patients.
They want the government to fix this by changing the rules and making sure all drugs, including non-scheduled ones, are properly regulated.
The panel also wants the government to monitor prices more closely and make sure that life-saving drugs are affordable.
Non-scheduled drugs account for 82% of India's pharmaceutical market by value.
The parliamentary panel found that 4% of non-scheduled drugs have mark-ups exceeding 100%.
The panel criticized the government for not regulating non-scheduled drugs effectively.
The panel recommended comprehensive reforms to the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO).
The panel also called for closer regulatory scrutiny of non-scheduled fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicines.
- Who
- Parliamentary panel on chemicals and fertilisers
- What
- Urged the government to regulate non-scheduled drug prices
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent profiteering and ensure affordable drug prices
Government's Position
Parliamentary Panel's Position
Regulation of Non-Scheduled Drugs
Government's Position
The government has not taken significant action to regulate non-scheduled drugs, relying on existing mechanisms.
Parliamentary Panel's Position
The parliamentary panel argues for comprehensive reforms to the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO) to include non-scheduled drugs under price control.
Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) Framework
Government's Position
The government has implemented the TMR framework only through extraordinary powers for specific drugs and medical devices.
Parliamentary Panel's Position
The panel insists on a permanent, transparent system to monitor MRPs and trade margins for all life-saving drugs.
- Percentage of Non-Scheduled Drugs in India's Pharma Market
- 82%
- Mark-ups Exceeding 100%
- 4%
- Mark-ups Up to 45%
- 87%
- Annual MRP Increase Limit for Non-Scheduled Drugs
- 10%
- Regulatory Authority for Scheduled Drugs
- National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
- Committee's Recommendation for Non-Scheduled FDC Medicines
- Closer regulatory scrutiny