Cost of Vaccines

Vaccines are non-scheduled drugs and not covered under the price control category of drugs under the provisions of Drugs (Prices Control) Oder, 1995 (DPCO, 95). The manufacturers fix the prices by themselves without seeking the approval of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). However, NPPA, as a part of price monitoring activity, regularly examines the movement in prices of non-scheduled formulations. The monthly reports of ORG IMS and the information furnished by individual manufacturers are utilized for the purpose of monitoring prices of non-scheduled formulations. Wherever a price increase beyond 10% per annum (20% before 01.04.2007) is noticed, the manufacturer is asked to bring down the price voluntarily failing which, subject to prescribed conditions action is initiated under paragraph 10(b) of the DPCO, 1995 for fixing the price of the formulation in public interest. This is an ongoing process.