The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced an extension of the ceiling price for orthopedic knee implants until November 15. This follows a 2017 initiative aimed at making these implants more affordable for patients and preventing excessive pricing practices.
In a recent notification, the NPPA indicated that it is currently reviewing representations from manufacturers and industry associations regarding this matter. The authority stated, “In the meantime, a decision has been taken to extend the ceiling price fixation on orthopedic knee implants for a further period of up to two months.”
The ceiling price for these implants was initially put in place in 2017 under the Drugs Prices Control Order (DPCO), 2013, utilizing extraordinary powers in public interest. The NPPA has periodically extended this price control, with the last extension on September 10, 2024.
Despite protests from various industry stakeholders, the NPPA has consistently upheld the applicability of these ceiling prices. In its order dated August 16, 2020, the NPPA highlighted concerns regarding the “unjustified, unreasonable, and irrationally high trade margins” associated with orthopedic knee implants. This pricing has contributed to exorbitant costs for patients requiring arthroplasty procedures, resulting in many individuals being unable to afford the surgery and enduring significant pain.
