In a decisive move to protect consumers, the Haryana government has escalated its crackdown on the overpricing of essential medicines in the retail market. State Health Minister Arti Singh Rao announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department has identified and forwarded a significant number of violations to central supervising agencies for necessary action.
33 Cases Sent for Central Scrutiny
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao confirmed on Friday that the state FDA has so far sent 33 cases related to the overpricing of medicines and formulations to central agencies. These cases, detected within the state in 2025, have been forwarded to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) in New Delhi. This step underscores the state's commitment to a transparent and strict policy where public health is non-negotiable.
Strict Monitoring Mechanism in Place
Minister Rao reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring the availability of affordable and essential drugs for all citizens. To achieve this objective, Haryana is conducting rigorous monitoring of medicine prices across all levels to effectively curb overcharging. The operational backbone of this effort is the Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU), which functions actively within the FDA under the guidelines of the NPPA.
The primary role of the PMRU is to ensure that medicines are sold to citizens strictly at the government-fixed rates, preventing any undue financial burden on patients. This proactive surveillance is a key part of the state's health welfare strategy.
Recent Violations and Action
The vigilance of the PMRU was highlighted recently when it detected specific instances of non-compliance. In December 2025, the unit found three medicines that were in violation of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO). The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the packs of these medicines was higher than the price prescribed by the authorities.
Following the discovery, the state authorities initiated action as per rules against the concerned pharmaceutical companies involved in these particular cases. This demonstrates the government's readiness to enforce regulations and hold violators accountable.
Minister Rao's announcement sends a clear message about Haryana's zero-tolerance policy towards the exploitation of consumers in the healthcare sector. The forwarding of cases to the NPPA is intended to ensure that stringent, centralized action is taken, reinforcing the safety net for the general public seeking affordable treatment.
