Oximeters, BP machines to get cheaper as NPPA caps trade margins at 70%

Earlier margins were as high as 709% for some devices; revised prices will come into effect from July 20

India’s pharmaceutical pricing regulator capped trade margins for essential medical devices like pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitors, nebulizers, digital thermometers, glucometers at 70 per cent. These devices, which have been in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic when several people are under home-care, will thus see a drop in prices. The earlier margins were as high as 709 per cent for some of these devices, the regulator noted.

The revised prices will come into effect from July 20, and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has said the capped trade margins will remain in force up to January 31, 2022 or