The Supreme Court of India has informed the country’s central government that drug prices are too high and should not be raised again.

The criticism came during a Public Interest Litigation hearing, discussing the government’s newly proposed National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Policy.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The policy hopes to separate drug ceiling prices from bulk manufacturing costs, a move which critics claim would see the prices of essential drugs increase beyond the means of many people.

India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals confirmed that under the new policy, all 348 medicines on the country’s National List of Essential Medicines would come under price control instead of the 74 bulk drugs currently controlled.

The hearing was adjourned until 17 January 2012.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Awarded the 2025 Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Award for Business Expansion in Integrated Manufacturing, Upperton Pharma Solutions is rapidly expanding its UK GMP and sterile manufacturing footprint. Find out how Upperton’s integrated CDMO model helps pharma companies move from early development to clinical and niche commercial supply with fewer handovers and faster timelines.

Discover the Impact