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MDC may look into methodology of ceiling price fixation of IV fluids
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Gireesh Babu, New Delhi
May 30 , 2026
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The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) may seek its Multi-Disciplinary Committee (MDC) of Experts to examine the methodology of ceiling price fixation of intravenous (IV) fluids, identifying an inconsistency in the methodologies followed by the pricing regulator at present.
The ceiling prices of IV fluids formulations have been undergoing revision since 2014, owing to issues relating to pack-size wise pricing, categorisation of packaging materials, admissibility of special features and various directions issued by the Department of Pharmaceuticals through various review orders.
The Authority, in its recent meeting, noted that the methodologies presently being followed for different IV fluids formulations are different.
It further noted that over the years, formulations having "special features" packaging have evolved into a significant market segment with substantial market turnover.
Taking the matter for discussion, the Authority observed that it may be examined by the subject experts.
"Accordingly, the Authority decided that the matter may be referred to the Multi-Disciplinary Committee (MDC) for further examination regarding methodology for ceiling prices fixation of IV fluids including packs with special features," said NPPA after the meeting.
The NPPA fixes the ceiling prices of scheduled bulk drugs of IV fluids, including its salts, esters, sterioisomers and derivatives, and currently, the prices are being fixed based on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), 2022. The pricing authority notified the list under the revised Schedule I of the Drugs Prices Control Order, 2013, on November 11, 2022.
The Authority occasionally seeks market-based price data from the manufacturers and marketers of IV fluids falling under the revised Schedule I, in order to fix their ceiling prices.
While these drugs are controlled under the DPCO, 2013, companies submit applications for separate ceiling price for various special features in packaging, and the Authority considers them individually based on the merit of these requests.
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