DCA seizes overpriced anti-fungal drug Itracol from Hanumakonda medical shop
The MRP of the drug on the label was high compared to the ceiling price fixed for the product by the Union Government
By Newsmeter Network Published on 3 May 2024 11:42 AM GMT
Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, seized overpriced anti-fungal medicine Itracol-200 capsules (Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg) from a medical shop in Hanumakonda in raids conducted on May 2-3.
The MRP of the drug on the label was high compared to the ceiling price fixed for the product by the Union Government.
Rs 22 capsule sold at Rs 29 per capsule
Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg were being sold under the brand name Itracol-200 capsules at the Hanumakonda medical shop. The medicine comes under price control as per the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 and the price of the product shall be by the ‘Ceiling Price’ fixed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Government of India.
Upon investigation, it was found that the seized Itracol-200 capsules were manufactured by Olcare Laboratories, GIDC Estate, Surendranagar District in Gujarat. The label of the drug said that it had an MRP of Rs 299 for 10 capsules i.e. Rs 29.9 per capsule, a violation of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
The ceiling price fixed by the government including Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for the product Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg is Rs 22.12 for one capsule, as per ceiling price.
Hence, the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) i.e. including GST 12 per cent should not be more than Rs 24.77 for one capsule. MRP is equal to ceiling price + GST.
The DCA officials concluded that the firm overpriced the product, by charging an excess of Rs 51.30 for 10 capsules which is a violation.
Further investigation shall be carried out and action shall be taken as per the law against all the offenders, the DCA said.
Public advisory
The prices of essential medicines shall be in accordance with the ceiling prices fixed by the Central Government. Overpricing of essential medicines is a violation under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 and stringent action shall be taken as per the law against violators.
The public may report any complaints regarding illegal activities concerning medicines through the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.
