Scheduled Drug:
A drug listed in Schedule I of DPCO, derived from the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
These drugs are subject to price control.
Non-Scheduled Drug:
Drugs that are not listed in Schedule I and are not under price control.
NPPA monitors their price increases, which cannot exceed 10% annually.
Ceiling Price:
The maximum price at which a scheduled drug can be sold.
Formulation:
A medicine prepared in a specific form (tablet, capsule, syrup) containing one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Bulk Drug:
The active ingredient used in the formulation of medicine, without processing into the final product.
Retail Price:
The maximum selling price of a formulation (including taxes) set by the manufacturer but regulated under DPCO.
National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM):
A list of essential medicines defined by the government based on public health importance and cost-effectiveness.