A significant discrepancy between the purchase price and the MRP of medicines was found in the pharmacies of 214 hospitals in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow. The FSDA inspection found that the MRP of 36 medicines was 10 times higher than the purchase price, and some were up to 67 times higher.
Mismanagement in hospital pharmacies
A significant discrepancy in the prices of medicines in hospital pharmacies in Uttar Pradesh has been discovered. An investigation by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) revealed a significant difference between the purchase price of some medicines and the maximum retail price (MRP) printed on the pack. The largest discrepancy was found in Polymyxin-B injection, which was purchased for approximately ₹74, while its MRP was listed at ₹4980.94. This is a difference of approximately 67 times.
According to the FSDA, data from 214 pharmacies affiliated with state medical colleges and private hospitals was examined. The purchase price and MRP of 130 medicines and injections were compared. The investigation found 36 medicines whose MRP was more than 10 times the purchase price. In some cases, this difference reached 67 times.
Purchase price: Rs 74; MRP: around Rs 5000
The most shocking case of Polymyxin-B injections was revealed in the investigation. The purchase price of 500,000 units of Gufipol injections was recorded at ₹74.09, while its MRP was ₹4980.94. This represents a difference of nearly 67 times between the two prices.
Similarly, the purchase price of 500,000 units of GUFIPOL was approximately ₹90, while the MRP on the pack was ₹4528.10. In this case, too, the MRP was approximately 50 times higher than the purchase price.
There is also a big difference between terlipressin and other expensive medicines.
The FSDA's investigation also revealed significant price variations for several injectable medications used to treat serious illnesses and infections. The purchase price of one injection of terlipressin was recorded at ₹56, while its MRP was ₹3,050. This MRP was approximately 54 times higher than the purchase price.
Similarly, the purchase price of colistimethate sodium 4.5 MIU, used to treat serious infections, was found to be ₹210, while its MRP was ₹9702.31. The purchase price of tigecycline 50 mg injection was reported to be ₹154.54, while its MRP was ₹7110.47. The FSDA's analysis revealed such significant discrepancies in several injectable medications used for serious infections and ICU-like conditions.
The matter is not limited to just one or two medicines.
The investigation also revealed significant variations in the prices of different drugs and brands. For example, the MRP of 1 gram of Meropenem for different brands ranged from approximately 5.31 to 9.98 times the purchase price.
Among the more expensive drugs, the purchase price of Bevacizumab 400 mg was ₹7,541.10, while its MRP was ₹69,995. This represents a difference of over ₹62,000 per unit.
There is also a huge difference in the prices of medical devices.
The FSDA's investigation wasn't limited to medicines. Significant discrepancies were also found between the purchase price and the MRP of some medical devices used in hospitals.
The purchase price of a three-way stopcock was only ₹6.40, while its MRP was listed at ₹163. This means the MRP was more than 25 times the purchase price.
FSDA also monitors recovery from patients
The FSDA's recent action not only compares the MRP and the purchase price, but also examines the actual amount hospitals are charging patients for medicines. On September 30th and October 1st, the inspections of pharmacies at 12 private hospitals in Lucknow examined billing, stock, and drug purchase and sale records. Additionally, samples of 38 medicines were taken for quality testing.
Additionally, an inspection of 52 hospital pharmacies in 17 districts revealed that in some cases, despite hospitals receiving medicines at lower prices, patients were being charged close to the MRP. The FSDA has sought clarifications from hospitals, suppliers, and manufacturers in these cases.
