Essential Medicines prices to rise from April 1 by 0.65 percent

Prices of around 900 essential medicines, including painkillers and antibiotics, will increase by 0.65 per cent from April 1, following a notification by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
The revision applies to scheduled drugs listed under the National List of Essential Medicines and is part of the annual price adjustment based on changes in the Wholesale Price Index. The increase has been attributed to rising costs of raw materials and packaging.
As per the authority, manufacturers are permitted to revise the maximum retail price of these medicines in line with the notified rate without seeking prior approval from the government.
The adjustment is based on Wholesale Price Index data for 2025, which recorded an increase of 0.64956 per cent compared to the previous year.
Vinod Kalani, advisor to the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry Federation, said the price revision is a routine exercise and clarified that it is not linked to any global geopolitical developments. He noted that the increase is marginal compared to previous years.
Meanwhile, the Centre has been monitoring economic conditions closely. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted empowered groups to address potential impacts of global developments on fuel, fertilisers, inflation and markets, while ensuring coordinated action with states.
Industry sources reiterated that the current revision in medicine prices is purely based on domestic index-linked mechanisms and not influenced by international conflicts.