The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is a government regulatory agency for  pharmaceutical drugs in India. It was established by Government of India Resolution dated 29th August, 1997 as an attached office of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.

It works as an independent Regulator for pricing of drugs and to ensure availability and accessibility of medicines at moderate prices.

On its 23rd foundation day, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda (Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers) congratulated NPPA for working tirelessly to ensure availability of life-saving drugs at reasonable prices consistently, towards the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for affordable health care system to all citizens.

 The Minister on recognizing the crucial part being frolicked by NPPA during pandemic, added that “It also prevented any shortage of medicines during COVID19 and resolved Public Grievances efficiently through active Control room..

” NPPA is using digital technology to discharge its functions and the same was noted by MoS, NPPA is propelling Digital India mission by

1.Pharma Sahi Daam-app to check prices of medicines 

2. Pharma Jan Samadhan-public grievance system to help people resolve their problems. 

3. Pharma Data Bank-online information collection from Pharma manufacturers.”

Gracing the occasion, Dr. P.D. Vaghela, (Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals), appreciated the note. Recent efforts of NPA in setting up Price Monitoring and Research Units (PMRUs) for strengthening monitoring and public awareness in 13 States/UTs. He highlighted the crucial role  that NPPA plays as an advisor to different Ministries/Departments of Government of India on explicit issues, which significantly contribute in strategy detailing and execution.

Further, Smt. Shubhra Singh, (Chairman of NPPA) emphasised on the fact that NPPA strives to strike a balance between the interests of the consumers and the Pharmaceutical Industry as per the ambit of the DPCOs. During its 23 years of existence, NPPA has been working towards the larger goal of a Healthy Nation by facilitating affordable health care through pricing of NLEM drugs, knee implants, stents, and more recently through the Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) of anti-cancer drugs that resulted in substantial annual saving to the consumers across the country.  Specifically, in the times of COVID-19 pandemic, NPPA through its Control Room worked 24 x 7 to promptly resolve varied issues of citizens, manufacturers as well as retailers.


This news has been reported by Ms. Vaishnavi Rai.