Telangana DCA Cracks Down on Overpriced Medicines

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by The Health Master

Telangana DCA

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (Telangana DCA) is taking a hard stance against unfair practices in the pharmaceutical sector.

They have intensified their enforcement activities by conducting more frequent surprise inspections at medical shops to ensure adherence to regulations and fair pricing.

Focus on DPCO Compliance

The Telangana DCA isn’t just checking for general compliance with the Drugs Act; they’re also specifically looking for violations of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013.

This order ensures essential medicines are available at reasonable prices.

Recent Cases of Overpriced Medicines:

Icone 200 Capsules:

In a raid conducted on Sangareddy district medical shops, the Telangana DCA seized overpriced antifungal medicine ‘Icone 200 capsules’ (itraconazole capsules 200mg).

The MRP on the label was significantly higher than the ceiling price set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).

The manufacturer, Mascot Health Series Pvt. Ltd, overcharged by Rs. 193.59 for a pack of 10 capsules, exceeding the allowed price with 12% GST.

Crackdown in Other Districts:

Similar operations were conducted in Hanumakonda, Bhadradri-Kothagudem, and Warangal earlier this month.

The Telangana DCA seized three overpriced medicines: Mu-Zoc 2 ointment, Cefimaje-100 dry syrup, and Itranova 200 capsules.

All three had MRPs exceeding the government-mandated ceiling prices.

Examples of Overpriced Medicines:

• Mu-Zoc 2 ointment: Manufactured by Zoic Biotech Pvt. Ltd, this Mupirocin ointment was priced at Rs. 130 for a 5gm tube, exceeding the government’s ceiling price of Rs. 113.60.
• Cefimaje-100 dry syrup: Manufactured by Zaneka Healthcare Ltd, this cefixime dry syrup was priced at Rs. 145 for 30ml, whereas the government-approved price with GST was only Rs. 80.30.
• Itranova 200 capsules: Manufactured by Phytochem Health Care, these itraconazole capsules were priced at Rs. 285 for 10 capsules (Rs. 28.5 per capsule). The government-approved price with GST was only Rs. 24.77 per capsule.

Strict Action Against Offenders

Dr. VB Kamalasan Reddy, Director General of the Telangana DCA, has emphasized that investigations will continue, and legal action will be taken against all violators.

He reiterated that the prices of essential medicines must comply with the ceiling prices set by the central government.

Overpricing is a serious offense under the DPCO 2013, and the DCA will take stringent action against those who flout the regulations.

This focus on fair pricing ensures that patients in Telangana have access to essential medicines at affordable prices.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.

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