India's Drug Pricing Regulation Update

India's drug pricing regulator, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), has mandated all retailers and dealers, including online pharmacies, to display the current price list of drugs on their websites. This is aimed at empowering consumers and ensuring they are not overcharged for their medicines.

Regulatory Context and Compliance

• The NPPA's order enforces compliance from online platforms citing Paragraph 24 of the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013, which requires prices to be displayed on a "conspicuous part of the premises." 
• The NPPA clarified that the term "premises" includes both physical and virtual platforms, such as websites and mobile apps, where the business is conducted.
• All retailers and dealers must display the current price list according to the provisions of the DPCO 2013.

Consumer Empowerment and Access

The NPPA’s initiative is designed to enable consumers to make informed choices regarding the medicines they purchase by ensuring price transparency.

Enforcement and Penalties

• The NPPA warned that non-compliance could result in legal action, including imprisonment and fines.