The Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO) was first introduced in 1970 and has been updated several times, with the latest version being the DPCO, 2013.
Purpose of Drugs Price Control Order
It is a legal framework that regulates the prices of drugs in India.
It specifically applies to drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) to ensure their availability and affordability.
It grants NPPA the authority to enforce price controls.
Scope of DPCO, 2013
Covers scheduled formulations listed in NLEM and non-scheduled drugs under specific regulations.
Ensures prices are fixed based on market-based pricing mechanisms rather than cost-based approaches.