From Digene to Glimstar, Prices of Common Medicines Rise by Up to 10%
New Delhi: Prices of several commonly used allopathic medicines, including those for blood pressure, diabetes, liver ailments, acidity and children's treatment, have increased by up to 10%, adding to the financial burden on patients in Maharajganj.
The price hike has come into effect from May after multiple pharmaceutical companies revised medicine prices in the second month of the new financial year. Apart from life-saving medicines, the increase has also impacted drugs that are used regularly by patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
According to local chemist associations, medicine prices have witnessed an increase ranging from 5% to 10%. Medical and Drug Association district president Ashok Chaurasia described the rise as part of the normal annual revision in pharmaceutical prices. He stated that increasing raw material costs are one of the key reasons behind the latest price hike.
Medicine sellers stated that the increase is not limited to a few specialised medicines but has affected a wide range of drugs used daily by patients. The rising prices are now putting additional pressure on household healthcare expenses.
Drug trader Shambhu Verma from Nichlaul told Amar Ujala that many consumers are now shifting from expensive branded medicines to lower-cost brands or generic salt-based medicines due to the revised pricing. He added that pharmacists are having to explain the increased rates to customers who are questioning the sudden rise in medicine costs.
Several medicines have already recorded notable price increases. Ursodeoxycholic acid medicine reportedly increased from Rs 924 to Rs 1,016, while Daxolec rose from Rs 470 to Rs 495. Glimstar tablets increased from Rs 117 to Rs 129, Liv 52 syrup from Rs 328 to Rs 351 and Digene from Rs 170 to Rs 180.Similarly, Amlokind tablets increased from Rs 55 to Rs 61, Good Safe medicine from Rs 84 to Rs 92, Vetnovate skin cream from Rs 62 to Rs 68 and Evion capsules from Rs 81 to Rs 89.
According to Amar Ujala, the rise in medicine prices has affected several categories of drugs used for chronic diseases and routine treatment, increasing concerns among patients and pharmacists over growing healthcare expenses.
Chemists added that the revised medicine prices are likely to impact regular patients the most, especially those dependent on long-term medication for lifestyle and chronic diseases.
