India has raised the issue of pharmaceutical pricing control in Australia, particularly on generic medicines, during a bilateral meeting between the officials of both countries. The two sides have decided to work closely on resolving market access issues, enhancing people-to-people contacts, and establishing an institutional mechanism for sharing preferential import data.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has extended the ceiling price fixation for orthopaedic knee implants for one more year till September 15, 2024, to ensure affordability and prevent exploitation of patients. The NPPA highlighted the unjustifiably high trade margins on knee implants, leading to exorbitant prices that affect patients’ out-of-pocket expenses. While the measure is seen as a welcome step by many, concerns have been raised about the need for more meticulous pricing regulation to encourage innovation and bring advanced implant products to India.