Question

Who has the power to fix the ceiling price of scheduled formulations:

• A. Director General Health Services
• B. Pharmacy Council of India
• C. National Medical Commission
• D. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority

Hint:

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is responsible for fixing the ceiling price of essential medicines to ensure affordability and prevent overpricing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the regulation of drug pricing in India. In India, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is responsible for controlling and regulating the prices of essential medicines, also known as scheduled formulations under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO). 

Step 2: Role of NPPA. - The NPPA sets the ceiling price for drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) to ensure their affordability. 
- It monitors drug prices and takes action against overpricing to protect consumer interests. 

Step 3: Why other options are incorrect. 
- (A) Director General Health Services: Focuses on public health programs and hospital administration, not drug pricing. 
- (B) Pharmacy Council of India: Regulates pharmacy education and profession, not pharmaceutical pricing. 
- (C) National Medical Commission: Regulates medical education and practices but does not control drug prices.