Drug Prices Reduced in October 2016 Now Increased

The Prices of 48 essential medicines were reduced through gazette 1989 / 61 issued on 21st October 2016, signed by Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senarathna then. Accordingly relevant manufacturer, vendor, and importer should display the maximum retail price stated in the gazette notification. Drug manufacturers, vendors and importers reported to have represented their losing scenario due to fluctuation in dollar rate to the Minister of health, the prices of essential categories of medicines which were reduced in October 2016 have been increased again.

On Thursday (14), through the Gazette 2049/31,   signed by the Health Minister the maximum retail prices of those 48 drugs have been increased. The latest gazette notification said that the National Drug Regulatory Authority’ s upper price limits have been amended.

Accordingly, the prices of essential categories of medicines from paracetamol to inhaling equipment will be increased.