Telangana DCA seizes overpriced Mupigrer Ointment in Medchal-Malkajgiri

Gajularamaram: The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, conducted a raid at the Medzine Life Sciences manufacturing unit located in the ALEAP Industrial Estate, Gajularamaram, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, on November 7, 2024, and seized a large quantity of Mupigrer Ointment (Mupirocin Ointment IP 2% w/w) for violating price control regulations.

The manufacturer, Medzine Life Sciences, was found to have overcharged consumers for the product, selling a 5gm tube of the ointment at Rs. 144, which is significantly above the Ceiling Price set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Government of India. The product’s price is regulated under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, which mandates that the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) should not exceed Rs. 113.624 (inclusive of GST 12%) for a 5gm tube.

The raid uncovered that the firm had overcharged for the product by Rs. 30.37 for each 5g pack. The Ceiling Price for Mupirocin Ointment 2% w/w is Rs. 20.29 per gram, which means the maximum retail price (MRP) for a 5g tube should be Rs. 101.45, plus GST. This overpricing constitutes a clear violation of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.

The raid was carried out by Drugs Inspectors I. Srikanth (Gajularamaram), T. Shiva Teja (Kapra), and K. Murali Krishna (Malkajgiri), under the supervision of M. Vijay Gopal, Assistant Director, Quthbullapur. The authorities have confirmed that further investigation is underway, and legal action will be taken against all offenders involved.

Dr. V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, Director General of the Drugs Control Administration, urged the public to report any suspected illegal activities related to drugs, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, through the Drugs Control Administration's Toll-Free Number: 1800-599-6969. The toll-free number is operational from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all working days.