Story perspectives

Maharashtra FDA flags 2,841% markups, asks pricing review

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 10:23 AM UTC · How we work

Left

Exorbitant Medical Markups

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe wrote to the pricing authority on August 10, requesting a review after a survey revealed mark-ups as high as 2,841 %.
Mundhe warned that opaque mark-ups hide true costs from patients, creating a public-health and information gap.
An IV infusion set bought for INR11.05 listed at INR325, a 2,841 % increase.
A syringe bought for INR6.75 was marked INR57.20, while devices lack price-control and pricing unmonitored.

Right

Stakeholder Pricing Model

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe wrote to the Department of Pharmaceuticals on August 10, requesting a pricing review after a survey showed mark-ups up to 2,841 %.
His proposal called for product-by-product pricing decisions with stakeholder input, rejecting a blanket price-cap.
Data showed an IV infusion set bought for Rs 11.05 listed at Rs 325, a 2,841 % increase.
Patients cannot compare costs because manufacturers set MRPs, leaving most consumables without price-control ceilings.

Blindspot

Mundhe said scheduled medicines are price-capped under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order 2013.
The survey also recorded a syringe bought for INR6.75 listed at INR57.20 and a catheter purchased for INR29.41 carrying an MRP of INR310.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 India introduced the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy, a landmark step to cap prices of essential medicines. The policy prompted the 1997 creation of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, which later issued the 2013 Drugs (Prices Control) Order covering 384 drugs. On August 10 2024, Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe filed a petition exposing 2,841% mark-ups on syringes, reviving calls for stricter product-by-product price controls.

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Exorbitant Medical Markups

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe wrote to the pricing authority on August 10, requesting a review after a survey revealed mark-ups as high as 2,841 %.
Mundhe warned that opaque mark-ups hide true costs from patients, creating a public-health and information gap.
An IV infusion set bought for INR11.05 listed at INR325, a 2,841 % increase.
A syringe bought for INR6.75 was marked INR57.20, while devices lack price-control and pricing unmonitored.

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