UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Revised MRPs of 1,364 Anti-Cancer Formulations Come into Effect from Today

Q1. With reference to the regulation of medicine prices under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The launch price of a non-scheduled formulation is decided by its manufacturer and not by the regulator.
  2. The MRP of a non-scheduled formulation can be raised only within a limit linked to its MRP over a preceding period.
  3. A ceiling price fixed for a scheduled formulation remains unchanged until the National List of Essential Medicines is next revised.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has regulated the prices of anti-cancer drugs that lie outside the First Schedule of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
  2. Invoking the public-interest power in Para 19 of the Order moves a non-scheduled drug into the First Schedule, after which a formula-based ceiling price applies to it.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct