DCA seizes overpriced antifungal medicine in Bhadrachalam

HYDERABAD: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana seized a consignment of overpriced antifungal medication, 'Grisovel-FP 250 Tablets' (Griseofulvin Tablets IP 250mg), from a medical shop in Bhadrachalam.

The seizure took place during raids conducted on May 3rd and 4th, after the DCA found evidence that the medicine was being sold at a price significantly higher than the government's ceiling price.

The product, manufactured by Alventa Pharma Ltd. and marketed by Elder Laboratories Ltd., had an indicated MRP of Rs. 80/- for a pack of 10 tablets. However, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, the ceiling price set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) for the same quantity is Rs. 17.70. Including the 12% GST, the maximum retail price should not exceed Rs. 19.82. This indicated that the product was overpriced by Rs. 60.17 per tablet, constituting a clear violation of the pricing order.

The raid was conducted by DCA Assistant Director (Khammam) G. Prasad and Drugs Inspector (Bhadradari Kothagudem) Ch. Sampath Kumar. The officials seized the medicine and launched an investigation to determine the extent of the violation. The DCA stated that stringent action would be taken against those responsible, as overpricing essential medicines poses significant risks to public health.

DCA Director General V.B. Kamalasan Reddy urged the public to report any complaints regarding illegal activities related to medicine pricing or quality. The DCA's toll-free number, 1800-599-6969, is available from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days to handle such reports. Further investigations are ongoing, and legal action will be pursued against all offenders.

The DCA reminded all pharmaceutical firms and retailers that the prices of essential medicines must comply with the ceiling prices fixed by the Central Government. Violations of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, will result in strict penalties.