The central government has raised the ceiling prices of BCG, Measles, and Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccines by approximately 21 percent. This decision came after a reconsideration of an earlier pricing order, prompted by a review application submitted by the Serum Institute of India.
Revised Ceiling Prices
In a gazette notification, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced the new ceiling prices. The BCG vaccine price increased from ₹8.20 to ₹9.89 per dose. The Measles vaccine now costs ₹62 per vial, up from ₹51.40. The Measles-Rubella vaccine rose from ₹72.90 to ₹87.93 per vial.
Background of the Revision
The revision traces back to a December 2024 NPPA order that had fixed vaccine prices after applying a 17.1 percent reduction. This reduction was linked to the monopoly status of the manufacturer under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The Serum Institute of India sought a review, arguing that vaccines differ significantly from conventional medicines in terms of manufacturing processes, technology, therapeutic use, and market dynamics.
Department of Pharmaceuticals Review
Upon examining the matter, the Department of Pharmaceuticals observed that these vaccines are of critical public health significance. They noted that the vaccines had shown relatively stable price trends and imposed only a minimal financial burden on citizens. Additionally, the products were being supplied by a single manufacturer at comparatively low prices.
NPPA's Decision
Consequently, the NPPA revised the ceiling prices under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, without applying the monopoly reduction. The authority stated that this move would address the manufacturer's grievance and ensure sufficient availability of the vaccines in the market.
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About the Author: Anuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.
