NPPA Hikes Ceiling Prices of BCG, Measles and MR Vaccines

New Delhi: Through a recent notification, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised the ceiling prices of BCG Vaccine, Measles Rubella Vaccine, and Measles Vaccine under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013.

The revised ceiling prices notified by NPPA include an increase in the price of BCG Vaccine from Rs. 8.20 to Rs. 9.89 per dose (0.10 ml). Similarly, the ceiling price of Measles Rubella Vaccine has been revised upward from Rs. 72.90 to Rs. 87.93 per vial (0.5 ml), while the ceiling price of Measles Vaccine has been increased from Rs. 51.40 to Rs. 62.00 per vial (0.5 ml). These revised prices are inclusive of the WPI impact of 0.64956% for the year 2026 and are exclusive of applicable GST.

The authority has exercised its extraordinary powers in public interest under Paragraph 19 of the DPCO, 2013, and revised the ceiling prices of the vaccines without applying monopoly reduction, following a review order issued by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP).

The revised ceiling prices, inclusive of WPI impact at 0.64956% for the year 2026, have been fixed to address the grievance raised by the manufacturer and to ensure continued availability of these critical vaccines in the market.

NPPA had fixed the ceiling prices of BCG Vaccine, Measles Rubella Vaccine and Measles Vaccine vide notification S.O. 5497(E) dated 19th December, 2024 under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 based on the Pharmarack data after applying monopoly reduction of 17.10% under Paragraph 6 of DPCO, 2013.

Subsequently, Serum Institute of India Private Limited filed a Review Application under paragraph 31 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 against the aforesaid notification stating that that the methodology of applying average price reduction under Paragraph 6 of DPCO, 2013 based on other vaccines in the same sub-therapeutic category is inappropriate for biologicals/vaccines, as each vaccine is distinct in terms of manufacturing process, technology, market dynamics and therapeutic use.

After examination of the matter and considering the submissions of the applicant and NPPA, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government ofIndia, issued Review Order No. 31015/01/2025-Pricing (E-30166) dated 07.04.2026 and observed that while NPPA had followed the methodology prescribed under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, the vaccines in question are of critical public health significance, have shown relatively stable price trends, impose minimal financial burden on citizens and are supplied by a single manufacturer at relatively low prices.

Accordingly, the Department of Pharmaceuticals referred back the matter to NPPA for reconsideration in accordance with the precedent adopted in the case of BCG Vaccine under NLEM, 2015, wherein monopoly reduction was not considered.

NPPA also noted that it had earlier invoked Paragraph 19 of DPCO, 2013, in the public interest to revise the ceiling price of BCG Vaccine without applying monopoly reduction through notification S.O. 1769(E) dated 26th April, 2018, and subsequently allowed a one-time increase through notification S.O. 4461(E) dated 13th December, 2019.

The Authority, in its 279th (Overall) and 147th Authority Meeting held on 11th June, 2026, deliberated on the matter and decided that the ceiling prices of the vaccines may be revised under Paragraph 19 of DPCO, 2013 without applying reduction under monopolistic conditions to address the applicant's concerns and ensure adequate market availability.

In line with the decision, NPPA notified the following:

In exercise of the powers conferred by paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, read with S.O. 1394(E) dated the 30th May, 2013 and S.O. 5249(E) dated the 11th November, 2022 issued by the Government of India in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Department of Pharmaceuticals, and in supersession of the Order of the Government of India in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority) S.O. No. and date specified in the Column (8) of the table, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has fixed/revised the price, including WPI impact @0.64956% for the year 2026 as specified in column (6) of the table herein below as a ceiling price exclusive of Goods and Services Tax applicable, if any, in respect of the Scheduled formulation specified in the corresponding entry in column (2) of the said Table with the dosage form & strength and unit specified respectively in the corresponding entries in columns (3) and (4) thereof:

The notice further added:

To view the official notice, click the link below: