The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) after seven years has increased prices of 53 essential drug brands of 20 generics used in primary healthcare.
The DGDA committee, which sets drug prices, in its 58th meeting held on 30 June at the health ministry approved the new price list. Before this, the prices were revised in 2015.
According to the new price list of 117 drugs, one piece of Paracetamol will cost Tk1.20 against the previous price of Tk0.70.
The price of one piece of Metronidazole 200mg tablet which was Tk0.60 will cost Tk1 now.
Some drugs saw 100% price hike.
In the context of spiralling prices of essential commodities, the latest price hike of drugs has come as a shock to common people amid the ongoing economic crises and inflation.
But the DGDA has claimed to have increased the prices following rules.
Of the 53 drug brands, the price of 10 Paracetamol generics has been increased while the prices of six Metronidazole generics have been increased.
Price of Amoxicillin, Xylometazoline, Prochlorperazine, Diazepam, Methyldopa, Furosemide, Phenobarbital, Lidocaine, Folic Acid, Chlorphenamine, Benzathine benzylpenicillin, Aspirin Phenoxymethyl Penicillin, Norgestrel, Feros has increased from 50% to 100%.
