UP Medicine Price Shock As ₹74 Polymyxin-B Injection Carries ₹4,981 MRP, FSDA Finds 67-Fold Gap

Lucknow: A medication that costs ₹74.09 to procure in Uttar Pradesh is being sold at a maximum retail price of ₹4,980.94—a price 67 times higher than its acquisition cost. The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) identified 36 out of 130 medicines whose printed prices are more than ten times their purchase prices.

This disparity emerged during an examination of 214 pharmacies in medical colleges and private hospitals throughout the state. The investigation revealed the most alarming price gaps among injectable drugs used in intensive care and other critical situations. Among the findings, Polymyxin-B injection stood out. Procured for ₹74.09, it bears an MRP of ₹4,980.94.

Another injection to treat serious liver disease was bought for ₹56 but carries an MRP of ₹3,050—52 times the purchase price. Disparities were also observed in medicines for severe bacterial and fungal infections. The Meropenem 1 gram injection, used for serious bacterial infections, showed considerable brand variation, with MRPs ranging from 5.31 to 9.98 times their procurement prices.

Caspofungin 70 mg, used to treat fungal infections, was purchased for ₹800 but carries an MRP of ₹21,230—26.5 times the cost of acquisition. The analysis also highlighted a significant price gap in medical devices sold through hospital pharmacies. A three-way stopcock was purchased for ₹6.40 but carries an MRP of ₹163—nearly 25 times the purchase price.

Another device was bought for ₹20.95 and has an MRP of ₹500—almost 24 times the acquisition cost. These price discrepancies raise concerns for patients undergoing serious or prolonged treatment, as comparing prices or seeking alternatives becomes difficult. The FSDA warns that high printed prices can allow for substantial margins and discounts across the supply chain.

Additionally, medical devices sold through hospital pharmacies show similar price disparities. A three-way stopcock was procured for ₹6.40 but carries an MRP of ₹163—nearly 25 times the purchase price.